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RMD Calculator

Calculate your required minimum distribution (RMD) from an IRA, 401(k) or other retirement account with the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, and see future RMDs.

Results

ItemValue

Projected future RMDs

YearAgeDivisorRMDBalance before RMD
Uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Publication 590-B, Table III) and the RMD start age from IRS regulations: 73 if born 1951 to 1959, and 75 if born in 1960 or later. The age for 1959 births is under a proposed IRS rule. If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, the IRS Joint Life table gives a smaller RMD. Inherited accounts follow different rules. Future amounts depend on actual returns. Not tax advice.

Quick Answer

RMD = December 31 balance of last year ÷ the IRS life expectancy divisor for your age this year. At age 75 the divisor is 24.6, so a $500,000 IRA has an RMD of $20,325.20. At age 73, the first RMD year, a $300,000 balance gives $11,320.75.

Last updated: 2 November 2026 ·How we calculate this: the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table

Table of Contents

How This RMD Calculator Works

Enter your account balance at the end of last year, the year you were born and the year you are taking the distribution. The calculator works out your age at the end of that year, looks up the divisor in the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, and divides your balance by it. It also projects the next 10 years of RMDs with the growth rate you choose.

Quick explanation: each year the IRS requires you to take out at least a set share of tax-deferred retirement savings.

  • Start age: 73 if born 1951 to 1959, 75 if born 1960 or later.
  • Balance: use December 31 of the year before.
  • Divisor: gets smaller each year, so the share you must take grows.

How to Use the RMD Calculator

  1. Find your account balance on December 31 of last year on your statement.
  2. Enter the year you were born.
  3. Enter the year of the distribution.
  4. Choose an expected growth rate for the projection.
  5. Press Calculate and read your RMD and the next 10 years.

Core Formulas

  • RMD: prior year-end balance ÷ divisor for your age
  • Age: your age on your birthday in the distribution year
  • Share of balance: 1 ÷ divisor

The divisor comes from IRS Publication 590-B, Table III (Uniform Lifetime).

Key Terms

  • RMD: required minimum distribution, the least you must withdraw each year.
  • Uniform Lifetime Table: the IRS table of divisors most account owners use.
  • Divisor: the life expectancy factor you divide your balance by.
  • Required beginning date: April 1 after the year you reach the RMD age.
  • Tax-deferred account: an account like a traditional IRA where tax is paid when money comes out.

Worked Example

You were born in 1951, so you are 75 in 2026. Your IRA held $500,000 on December 31, 2025.

  • Divisor at age 75 = 24.6
  • RMD = $500,000 ÷ 24.6 = $20,325.20
  • That is about 4.07% of the balance, due by December 31, 2026

Real-Life Examples

  • First RMD: at age 73 with $300,000, the RMD is $11,320.75. It can wait until April 1 of the next year, but then two RMDs fall in one year.
  • Several IRAs: work out each IRA's RMD, then you may take the total from any one or more of them.
  • A 401(k): each plan's RMD is figured and taken separately.
  • Age 85: the divisor is 16.0, so $200,000 requires $12,500.00.

Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA RMDs

  • Traditional IRA and 401(k): RMDs are required, and they are usually taxable income.
  • Roth IRA: no RMDs while the original owner is alive.
  • Inherited accounts: beneficiaries follow separate rules, often a 10-year rule.

IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Ages 72 to 95)

Ages 96 to 120 and over continue in the table, ending at 2.0.

AgeDivisorAgeDivisor
7227.48416.8
7326.58516.0
7425.58615.2
7524.68714.4
7623.78813.7
7722.98912.9
7822.09012.2
7921.19111.5
8020.29210.8
8119.49310.1
8218.5949.5
8317.7958.9

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using this year's balance. Use December 31 of the previous year.
  • Using your current age. Use your age on your birthday in the distribution year.
  • Delaying the first RMD without planning. Taking two RMDs in one year can raise your tax.
  • Combining 401(k)s with IRAs. IRA RMDs can be combined, but each 401(k) is separate.
  • Missing the deadline. The IRS can charge an excise tax on amounts not taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Divide last year's December 31 balance by the IRS divisor for your age this year.

IRS regulations set age 73 for people born 1951 to 1958, and age 75 for people born in 1960 or later. A proposed rule covers people born in 1959.

By April 1 of the year after you reach your RMD age. Later RMDs are due by December 31 each year.

26.5, from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.

Not for the original owner. Inherited Roth IRAs have their own rules.

Yes. The RMD is only the minimum.

Usually yes, as ordinary income, except for any after-tax (basis) amounts.

If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, use the IRS Joint Life and Last Survivor table, which gives a lower RMD.

Yes. Calculate each, then take the total from one or more IRAs. 401(k) RMDs must come from each plan.

The IRS may charge an excise tax on the amount not taken. Correcting it quickly can reduce the charge.

A qualified charitable distribution from an IRA can count toward your RMD. Check the IRS rules.

For a workplace plan you may be able to wait until you retire, unless you own 5% or more of the business. IRAs still require RMDs.

References & Sources

SourceUsed ForLink
IRS, Publication 590-B, Distributions from IRAs The Uniform Lifetime Table (Table III). https://www.irs.gov/publications/p590b
IRS, Retirement plan and IRA required minimum distributions FAQs Deadlines and the basic rules. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/retirement-plan-and-ira-required-minimum-distributions-faqs
IRS, Internal Revenue Bulletin 2024-33 Final regulations on the RMD applicable age by birth year. https://www.irs.gov/irb/2024-33_IRB