Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from a retirement account based on your age and account balance.
Based on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (example)
An RMD calculator estimates the Required Minimum Distribution you must withdraw each year from Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach a certain age. The IRS requires these withdrawals so that tax-deferred savings are eventually taxed, using a "distribution period" divisor based on your age from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. This calculator also projects how your RMDs and account balance might change over the following years.
The RMD is calculated by dividing your account balance (as of the prior year-end) by a "distribution period" number from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, which is based on your age this year. As you get older, the divisor decreases, meaning a larger percentage of your remaining balance must be withdrawn each year.
Formula: RMD = Prior Year-End Account Balance ÷ Distribution Period (from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table for your age).
Example: For a $500,000 account balance and an age of 75, the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table distribution period is 24.6 years (example — based on the IRS table), so the RMD would be $500,000 ÷ 24.6 ≈ $20,325 for the year. (Note: all figures in this example are for illustration purposes only and are based on an example IRS table — verify the current table for your situation.)
RMD rules apply to Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s — Roth IRAs are generally exempt from RMDs during the original owner's lifetime. The age at which RMDs must begin has changed in recent years due to legislation (SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0), moving from 70½ to 72 to 73, with a further increase to 75 scheduled for later years — always verify the current required beginning age for your birth year. Failing to take your full RMD by the deadline can result in a significant excise tax penalty on the shortfall (example consideration — verify current penalty rules, as they've also been reduced in recent legislation).
RMDs generally begin at age 73 (2025 example). This age has changed multiple times due to recent legislation (it was previously 70½, then 72), with a further increase to 75 scheduled for later years — verify the current required beginning age for your birth year.
The divisor comes from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, which assigns a "distribution period" number based on your age. The table used in this calculator is an example — always verify against the current official IRS table when calculating your actual RMD.
Missing all or part of your RMD can result in an excise tax penalty on the shortfall amount. Penalty rates have been reduced in recent legislation but can still be significant — consult a tax professional if you've missed an RMD.
No. Roth IRAs are generally not subject to RMDs during the original owner's lifetime. However, inherited Roth IRAs may have different distribution requirements for beneficiaries.
Use your account balance as of December 31 of the prior year — this is the figure the IRS uses to calculate the current year's RMD, not your current account balance.
Generally yes — RMDs from Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s are typically taxed as ordinary income in the year you take them. This calculator estimates the required withdrawal amount only and doesn't calculate any resulting tax liability.
Disclaimer: The information, distribution periods, and figures provided on this page are for educational and illustrative purposes only and are based on an example IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. They do not represent the current official IRS table or your actual required minimum distribution. RMD rules and ages change periodically due to legislation. Always verify current rules with the IRS and consult a qualified tax professional before making any retirement account decisions.