RMD Calculator

Required Minimum Distribution
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What Is an RMD Calculator?

RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw annually from most tax-deferred retirement accounts (like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s) once you reach a certain age, using IRS life expectancy tables.

How to Use the RMD Calculator

  1. Enter your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the prior year.
  2. Enter your age this year.
  3. View your required minimum distribution.

RMD Formula

RMD
RMD = Account Balance ÷ IRS Life Expectancy Factor

This calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, which applies to most account owners (a different table applies if your spouse is the sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger).

Worked Example

Example: $500,000 Balance, Age 75

IRS life expectancy factor at age 75: 24.6

RMD: $500,000 ÷ 24.6 ≈ $20,325

Understanding Your Results

This is the minimum amount you must withdraw for the year — you can always withdraw more. Failing to take the full RMD can result in a significant IRS penalty, so it's important to withdraw at least this amount by the deadline (typically December 31, with a special extended deadline for your first RMD year).

Important Notes

  • The current RMD starting age is 73 (as of recent law changes) — verify the current age threshold, as it has changed periodically due to legislation.
  • Different rules apply to inherited IRAs and Roth IRAs (which don't require RMDs for the original owner).
  • This calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table; consult a financial advisor or tax professional for complex situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's the minimum amount the IRS requires account owners to withdraw annually from most tax-deferred retirement accounts once they reach the required age, ensuring these accounts are eventually taxed.

The RMD starting age has changed due to recent legislation — verify the current threshold (73 as of recent law) since it applies to your specific birth year.

The IRS can impose a significant excise tax penalty on the amount not withdrawn, so it's important to take at least the full required amount by the deadline.

The original account owner of a Roth IRA is generally not required to take RMDs during their lifetime, unlike traditional IRAs and most 401(k)s.

Yes — the RMD is only a minimum; you can always withdraw more from your account if needed, subject to normal tax treatment.