RMD CalculatorFree online financial calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Required minimum distribution using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
Estimates only, based on the inputs and assumptions shown. This is not financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Prices, rates and local rules may change; crypto scenarios do not predict returns. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional.
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About the RMD Calculator
This calculator determines the required minimum distribution (RMD) from tax-deferred retirement accounts based on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. It is designed for retirement account owners who must withdraw a minimum amount annually starting at age 73.
- Age this year
- Your age reached during the distribution calendar year, typically between 73 and 95 or older.
- Balance on Dec 31 last year
- The total account balance of your retirement accounts at the close of business on December 31 of the previous year, in dollars.
Formula and method
RMD = Balance / Distribution Period
- RMDRequired minimum distribution for the current tax year
- BalanceRetirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year
- Distribution PeriodIRS life expectancy factor corresponding to your age from the Uniform Lifetime Table
The tool rounds your age to the nearest integer. If the age is under 73, it indicates that an RMD is not required; for ages 73 and older, it retrieves the life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (capped at age 95's factor of 8.9) and divides the previous year-end balance by that factor.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Age this year75
- Balance on Dec 31 last year400000 $
Results
- Distribution period24.6
- Required distribution$16,260.16
How to use the RMD Calculator
- 1Determine your age as of December 31 of the current distribution year.
- 2Verify whether your age is at least 73; if under 73, no RMD is required by this schedule.
- 3Look up the corresponding distribution period factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (ages above 95 use the age 95 factor of 8.9).
- 4Divide the account balance from December 31 of the prior year by the distribution period factor to get the required annual withdrawal.
Reading your result
The result displays two values: the distribution period factor and the dollar amount you are required to withdraw for the year. The required distribution is the minimum pretax amount that must be distributed to avoid IRS excise penalties.
Limitations
This calculator exclusively uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table and does not account for the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table, which applies if your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than 10 years younger. Additionally, it caps table lookup factors at age 95 (factor 8.9) rather than continuing individual factors for ages 96 and older, and it does not account for inherited IRAs.
Common questions
What happens if I turn 73 this year?+
Under current law, your first RMD must be taken for the year you turn 73. While you have until April 1 of the following year to take that first distribution, waiting requires you to take two distributions in the second year.
Can I withdraw more than the required minimum distribution?+
Yes. You can withdraw more than the calculated RMD at any time, but any excess amount cannot be credited toward future years' RMD requirements.
Does this calculation apply to Roth IRAs?+
No. Original owners of Roth IRAs are not required to take minimum distributions during their lifetime. This calculation applies to traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer-sponsored qualified plans.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
Further reading
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.