Estimate your Required Minimum Distribution. This free RMD calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table — enter your account balance and age to see how much you must withdraw this year.
Under current US rules (SECURE 2.0), RMDs generally begin at age 73.
Estimate only, based on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Rules and ages change with legislation — confirm with your plan administrator or a tax professional.
How RMD Calculator Works
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount owners of certain retirement accounts must withdraw each year once they reach the applicable age. This free RMD calculator estimates that amount from your account balance and age using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
Formula: RMD = Account Balance ÷ Distribution Factor. The distribution factor isn't entered directly — it's looked up from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table based on your age this year (for example, the table factor is larger at younger qualifying ages and shrinks as age increases), then the account balance is divided by that factor to get the required withdrawal.
- Account balance — your retirement account's value as of December 31 of the prior year
- Age this year — your age, used to look up the distribution period on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table
- Distribution factor — the life-expectancy divisor from the table that corresponds to your age
- Required minimum distribution — your account balance divided by the distribution factor
Example Scenarios
| Age | Account Balance | Distribution Factor | RMD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | $500,000 | 26.5 | $18,868 |
| 75 | $500,000 | 24.6 | $20,325 |
| 80 | $300,000 | 20.2 | $14,851 |
| 85 | $250,000 | 16.0 | $15,625 |
| 90 | $200,000 | 12.2 | $16,393 |
Distribution factors come from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table used by this calculator; the starting age and table itself can change with future legislation, so treat these figures as illustrative and confirm your own with a plan administrator or tax professional.
RMD Calculator FAQ
At what age do I need to start taking RMDs?
Under current U.S. rules, RMDs generally begin around age 73, but the exact starting age has been changed by legislation before and could change again. Confirm your specific required beginning date with your plan administrator or a tax professional.What table does this calculator use to determine my distribution factor?
It uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, the standard table most account owners use to calculate RMDs. A different table applies in certain cases, such as when a spouse who is more than 10 years younger is the sole beneficiary, which this calculator doesn't account for.What balance should I use — my current balance or last year's year-end balance?
RMD calculations are based on your account's value as of December 31 of the prior year, not today's balance. Enter that prior year-end figure for an accurate estimate rather than your current running balance.What happens if I don't take my full RMD?
Missing all or part of your RMD can trigger a tax penalty from the IRS on the amount not withdrawn in time. If you've missed a distribution, a tax professional can advise on correcting it and whether the penalty can be reduced or waived.Do Roth IRAs require RMDs?
Roth IRAs generally aren't subject to RMDs during the original owner's lifetime, unlike traditional IRAs and most employer retirement plans. Rules can differ for inherited Roth accounts or employer-sponsored Roth accounts, so verify the specifics for your situation.Does this calculator apply to inherited retirement accounts?
No — inherited accounts generally follow different distribution rules and tables than an account you own yourself, and this calculator is built around the Uniform Lifetime Table used for your own accounts. Consult a tax professional for inherited account rules.Related Calculators
Planning your broader retirement withdrawal strategy? Pair this with the savings withdrawal calculator to model other account drawdowns, the Roth IRA calculator to compare tax-free growth, or the 401k calculator to see how your balance got here.