These are hypothetical constant-growth scenarios, not Power Law, Stock-to-Flow, or Rainbow Chart forecasts. All assume positive returns and omit volatility, fees, taxes, and inflation. Bitcoin can lose value. The full calculator uses different methods: a market-price-anchored time power function for Power Law and a halving-cycle growth heuristic for Stock-to-Flow, not PlanB's original regression. Results will differ. No returns or retirement date are guaranteed.
How Much Bitcoin to Retire on $3,500/Month?
To live on $3,500 per month ($42,000/year), you need a portfolio of $1,050,000 based on the 4% withdrawal rule.
Financial Freedom Number
$1,050,000
25x annual expenses
Bitcoin Needed Today
10.50 BTC
at $100,000 per BTC
Annual Withdrawal
$42,000
4% of portfolio/year
Timeline by Hypothetical Growth Scenario
How long it takes to reach $1,050,000 through Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) — starting from zero Bitcoin.
35% growth scenario
You need 10.50 BTC at today's price to retire immediately
13.3 yrs
11.1 yrs
40% growth scenario
You need 10.50 BTC at today's price to retire immediately
12.3 yrs
10.3 yrs
20% growth scenario
You need 10.50 BTC at today's price to retire immediately
19.3 yrs
15.6 yrs
25% growth scenario
You need 10.50 BTC at today's price to retire immediately
16.6 yrs
13.6 yrs
How the Calculation Works
Step 1: Financial Freedom Number. Using the 4% rule from the FIRE movement, we calculate that you need 25 times your annual expenses. With $3,500/month ($42,000/year), your target is $1,050,000.
Step 2: Bitcoin Equivalent. At today's Bitcoin price of $100,000, that equals 10.50 BTC.
Step 3: DCA Projection. Starting from zero BTC, we convert each annual compound rate to a monthly rate using (1 + annual rate)^(1/12) − 1. We buy BTC at each month's projected price and compare the portfolio to a fixed target of $1,050,000. The 4% guideline is not validated for a Bitcoin-only portfolio.
Important: These are hypothetical fixed-growth calculations, not named-model forecasts. Bitcoin is volatile and past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Always consult a financial advisor.