The most important factor that determines the fate of a star is its mass. The more massive a star, the shorter its lifespan. This is because massive stars burn through their fuel more quickly than less massive stars.

- Stars with masses less than about 8 solar masses will eventually become white dwarfs.

- Stars with masses between about 8 and 25 solar masses will eventually become neutron stars.

- Stars with masses greater than about 25 solar masses will eventually become black holes.