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RMD Calculator

Required Minimum Distribution from a retirement account using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.

How it works

The RMD calculator divides your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by your IRS life expectancy divisor, based on your current age. The result is the minimum amount you must withdraw that calendar year to comply with federal tax law. This method encourages gradual, tax-efficient drawdown of retirement savings while accounting for individual life expectancy.

The formula

RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31) ÷ IRS Uniform Lifetime Table Divisor

The Uniform Lifetime Table provides divisors that decrease with age, meaning your required withdrawal percentage increases as you get older. For example, at age 73 the divisor is 26.5; at age 85 it's 14.8; at age 95 it's 5.5.

Worked example

Suppose you're 75 years old and your traditional IRA balance was $425,000 on December 31 of last year.

  1. Identify your age: 75 this year.
  2. Look up the Uniform Lifetime Table divisor for age 75: 22.9
  3. Divide the account balance by the divisor:
    • $425,000 ÷ 22.9 = $18,560.70
  4. Your RMD for this year: $18,560.70

You must withdraw at least $18,560.70 from your IRA by December 31. You can withdraw more without penalty, but withdrawing less triggers a 25% excise tax on the shortfall amount (10% if corrected within two years).

If you had a second IRA with a $150,000 balance, you'd calculate its RMD separately ($150,000 ÷ 22.9 = $6,550.66), then aggregate both RMDs ($18,560.70 + $6,550.66 = $25,111.36). You could then withdraw the full $25,111.36 from either IRA or split it between them.

Common mistakes

Using the wrong balance: Always use the December 31 balance from the prior calendar year, not the current year's balance. The IRS requires this snapshot approach for consistency.

Forgetting to aggregate IRAs: Many people calculate RMDs for each IRA separately and withdraw from each one individually. While you can do this, it's easier to aggregate all traditional IRA RMDs and take the combined amount from whichever account is most convenient—you cannot aggregate 401(k)s or 403(b)s this way.

Missing the deadline: Your first RMD has a grace period (due by April 1 of the following year), but all subsequent RMDs must be withdrawn by December 31 each year. Missing this deadline is costly: the penalty is 25% of the shortfall (or 10% if you correct it within two years).

Ignoring beneficiary RMD rules: If you inherit a retirement account, you may be required to take RMDs under different rules (the 10-year rule, SECURE Act exceptions, or as a designated beneficiary). This calculator applies only to account owners, not beneficiaries.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. It is not professional tax or financial advice. Consult a tax advisor or financial professional regarding your specific situation, especially if you are a beneficiary, still employed, own a business, or have complex account structures.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?

An RMD is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw annually from certain retirement accounts (like traditional IRAs and 401(k)s) starting at age 73 (as of 2023, following the SECURE 2.0 Act). Failing to withdraw the full amount triggers a 25% penalty on the shortfall, reduced to 10% if corrected timely.

What is the Uniform Lifetime Table?

The Uniform Lifetime Table is an IRS-published table that lists life expectancy divisors by age. You divide your December 31 account balance by the divisor for your age to calculate your RMD. Most account holders use this table; it applies to IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and similar plans.

When do I have to take my first RMD?

For most people, the first RMD is due by April 1 of the year following the year you turn 73. Subsequent RMDs must be withdrawn by December 31 each year. If you're still working and don't own 5% or more of your employer's plan, you may be able to delay.

Can I take my RMD as a lump sum or in installments?

Yes, you can take your full RMD in one withdrawal or spread it across multiple withdrawals during the year, as long as the total equals or exceeds the calculated minimum by December 31.

Does this calculator apply to Roth IRAs?

Traditional Roth IRAs do not require distributions during the account owner's lifetime. However, beneficiaries who inherit a Roth IRA must take RMDs (or empty the account within 10 years under current rules). This calculator applies to traditional and SEP IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar pre-tax accounts.

What if I have multiple retirement accounts?

You must calculate the RMD separately for each account, but for IRAs you can aggregate the totals and withdraw the combined amount from one or more IRAs. 401(k) and 403(b) RMDs must generally be taken from each plan separately.

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