RMD Calculator (Required Minimum Distribution)
Estimate your Required Minimum Distribution from traditional IRAs and employer retirement plans using IRS life expectancy tables and SECURE Act rules.
RMD Calculator
Used to determine your RMD starting age under SECURE / SECURE 2.0.
Calendar year for which you want to estimate the RMD.
Prior year-end balances
Enter balances as of December 31 of the year before the RMD year. You can add multiple IRAs or plans.
RMD results
Per-account breakdown (optional)
For IRAs, you may take the total RMD from any one or more IRAs. For employer plans, RMDs are generally taken separately from each plan.
| Account | Balance | RMD share |
|---|
This tool is for education and planning only. It does not file with the IRS or replace advice from a qualified tax or financial professional.
How this RMD calculator works
This calculator estimates your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) using the standard IRS formula:
RMD for year = Prior year-end account balance ÷ Life expectancy factor
The life expectancy factor comes from IRS life expectancy tables. For most account owners, the Uniform Lifetime Table applies. If your spouse is more than 10 years younger and is your sole beneficiary for the entire year, you may use the Joint Life and Last Survivor Table, which usually produces a smaller RMD. Beneficiaries of inherited accounts generally use the Single Life Table.
RMD starting ages under SECURE and SECURE 2.0
Congress has changed the age at which RMDs must begin. This calculator uses the following simplified rules for the required beginning date (RBD):
- Born before July 1, 1949: RMDs generally started at age 70½ (old rules).
- Born July 1, 1949 – 1950: RMDs generally started at age 72.
- Born 1951 – 1959: RMDs generally start at age 73 (SECURE 2.0).
- Born 1960 or later: RMDs are scheduled to start at age 75 (SECURE 2.0).
The calculator compares your RMD year to your RBD and will indicate if you are not yet required to take RMDs based on your date of birth. Special rules apply if you are still working and participating in an employer plan, or if you own more than 5% of the employer.
Accounts covered by RMD rules
RMDs generally apply to:
- Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, and SIMPLE IRAs
- Most employer plans: 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), profit-sharing, and similar plans
- Inherited IRAs and inherited employer plan accounts
RMDs do not apply while you are alive to:
- Roth IRAs (but inherited Roth IRAs may have RMDs)
- Taxable brokerage accounts or bank accounts
Uniform Lifetime Table (selected factors)
Below are some example life expectancy factors from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (2023 and later). The calculator uses a more complete internal table.
| Age | Distribution period (years) | Approx. % of balance |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 | 3.77% |
| 75 | 24.7 | 4.05% |
| 80 | 20.2 | 4.95% |
| 85 | 16.0 | 6.25% |
| 90 | 12.2 | 8.20% |
Step-by-step: using the RMD calculator
- Enter your date of birth. This determines your RMD starting age.
- Select the RMD year. For example, 2025 if you are planning withdrawals for that year.
- Choose the owner type and life expectancy table. Most owners will use “Account owner” and the Uniform Lifetime Table.
- Enter prior year-end balances. Use your December 31 statements for each traditional IRA or employer plan.
- Click “Calculate RMD”. The tool shows your estimated RMD, the life expectancy factor used, and the effective withdrawal percentage.
Limitations and important notes
- This tool uses simplified versions of IRS tables and rules for educational purposes.
- It does not handle every special case (e.g., certain inherited IRA 10-year rules, qualified longevity annuity contracts, or annuitized contracts).
- Tax law changes frequently. Always confirm your RMD using current IRS publications or a qualified tax professional.
For official guidance, see IRS Publication 590-B and the latest IRS FAQs on Required Minimum Distributions.
RMD Calculator FAQ
What is a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)?
A Required Minimum Distribution is the minimum amount you must withdraw each year from most tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach your required beginning date. The IRS requires these withdrawals so that tax-deferred money is eventually taxed. The RMD is based on your prior year-end balance and a life expectancy factor from IRS tables.
Which age does this calculator assume for RMDs?
The calculator uses a simplified interpretation of current law:
- Born before July 1, 1949 – RMDs generally started at 70½.
- Born July 1, 1949–1950 – RMDs generally started at 72.
- Born 1951–1959 – RMDs start at 73.
- Born 1960 or later – RMDs are scheduled to start at 75.
Your actual required beginning date can depend on whether you are still working and the type of plan. Always verify with the latest IRS guidance or a tax professional.
Can I aggregate RMDs across multiple accounts?
For traditional IRAs, you can calculate the RMD for each IRA, add them together, and take the total from one or more IRAs. For employer plans like 401(k)s, RMDs are usually calculated and withdrawn separately from each plan. 403(b) plans have some aggregation options. The per-account table in this calculator is for planning only and does not override IRS rules.
Does this calculator handle inherited IRAs?
The calculator includes a basic “Beneficiary / inherited account” mode using the Single Life Table, but it does not fully model the 10-year payout rules, eligible designated beneficiaries, or year-of-death nuances. Inherited IRA rules are complex; use this only as a rough estimate and consult a professional for precise requirements.
Is the RMD taxable?
In general, RMDs from traditional IRAs and pre-tax employer plans are taxable as ordinary income in the year you withdraw them. Some after-tax contributions or basis may reduce the taxable portion. RMDs from Roth IRAs (for beneficiaries) are usually tax-free if conditions are met. Your personal tax situation may differ, so review with a tax advisor.