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Investment & Retirement Tool

Required Minimum Distribution Calculator

Use the required minimum distribution (RMD) calculator to determine how much money you need to take out of your traditional IRA or 401(k) account this year, based on IRS Uniform Lifetime Table III.

⚠️ Spouse Exception

If your spouse is more than ten years younger than you, please review IRS Publication 590-B to calculate your required minimum distribution using the Joint Life and Last Survivor Expectancy Table.

Calculator * denotes required

$

What was the value of your retirement account as of December 31st of last year?

How old will you be at the end of this year? (RMDs begin at age 73 for most people)

When do RMDs start?

Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, most account owners must begin taking RMDs at age 73. If you turned 72 before January 1, 2023, your first RMD was due at age 72.

Results

Withdrawal Factor

20.2

Dividing your account value by this factor determines your annual distribution amount. To account for life expectancy, we refer to IRS Pub. 590 Table III: Uniform Lifetime.

Required Minimum Distribution

$2,475

$50,000 20.2 = $2,475

Monthly equivalent

$206

Quarterly equivalent

$619

Important Note

The timing of the withdrawal, changes in marital status or beneficiary age, and the death of an account owner also factor into your required minimum distribution. Because of these factors, your results may be higher or lower than those shown. This tool is for educational purposes only — consult a tax professional for personalized advice.

How to use this calculator

  1. 1

    Enter your account balance

    Input the total value of your retirement account as of December 31st of last year.

  2. 2

    Set your age at year-end

    Enter how old you will be at the end of the current year to find your IRS distribution factor.

  3. 3

    Review your required minimum distribution

    See the exact amount you must withdraw annually, along with monthly and quarterly equivalents.

The Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) formula

Your Required Minimum Distribution is calculated by dividing your prior year-end retirement account balance by the distribution period factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Table III) based on your age.

RMD = Account Balance / Distribution Factor
RMD
Required Minimum Distribution amount for the year
Account Balance
Total value of the retirement account as of December 31 of the prior year
Distribution Factor
Life expectancy factor from IRS Uniform Lifetime Table III based on your age at year-end

Frequently asked questions about Required Minimum Distribution Calculator

How is my RMD calculated?
Your required minimum distribution is calculated by dividing your retirement account balance as of December 31 of the previous year by the life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table III.
Do I have to withdraw my entire RMD at once?
No. You can take your RMD as a single withdrawal or spread it across multiple withdrawals throughout the year, as long as the total required amount is withdrawn by the annual deadline.
Which retirement accounts require RMDs?
Traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer-sponsored retirement plans such as traditional 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans generally require RMDs once you reach the applicable age.
Can I withdraw more than my required minimum distribution?
Yes. You may withdraw more than your required minimum distribution if you wish. However, excess withdrawals cannot be applied toward satisfying future years' RMD requirements.
Do I pay taxes on my RMD?
In most cases, yes. RMDs from traditional retirement accounts are generally taxed as ordinary income in the year they are withdrawn. Your actual tax liability depends on your overall financial situation.
Can I delay my first RMD?
Yes. Your first RMD can generally be delayed until April 1 of the year after you reach your required beginning age. However, delaying your first RMD means you will likely have to take two distributions in the same year, which could increase your taxable income.
Is this calculator an official IRS tool?
No. This calculator provides estimates based on the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table III and the information you enter. It is intended for educational and planning purposes and should not replace professional financial or tax advice.

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