RMD Calculator

How it works

Once you reach your RMD age, the IRS requires you to take at least a minimum amount out of traditional IRAs and workplace plans such as a 401(k) each year. The minimum is last December 31's balance divided by a distribution period from the Uniform Lifetime Table for the age you reach on your birthday in the distribution year.

Your RMD age depends on when you were born: 73 if you were born from 1951 through 1959 and 75 if you were born in 1960 or later (SECURE 2.0 Act). Older owners started under earlier rules, at 70½ or 72. Before your RMD age, the calculator shows no RMD for that year.

The projection grows the balance at the return you enter, takes that year's RMD out at year-end, and uses the result as the next year's December 31 balance. The distribution period shrinks each year, so the percentage you must take out rises with age.

Formula

age            = distribution year − birth year
RMD            = prior December 31 balance ÷ distribution period(age)
RMD age        = 73 (born 1951–1959), 75 (born 1960 or later)
next balance   = balance × (1 + return) − RMD

Example

Someone born in 1952 had $500,000 in an IRA on December 31, 2025. They turn 74 in 2026, so the distribution period is 25.5 and the 2026 RMD is $500,000 ÷ 25.5 = $19,607.84. Their RMD age is 73, so their first RMD year was 2025.

At an assumed 5% return, the balance at the end of 2026 is $525,000 − $19,607.84 = $505,392.16, which gives a 2027 RMD of $505,392.16 ÷ 24.6 = $20,544.40. Over 10 years (2026–2035) the RMDs add up to $242,363.94 and $515,034.26 is left at the end of 2035.

Assumptions and limitations

• Distribution periods are the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Publication 590-B, Table III; 26 CFR 1.401(a)(9)-9(c)), in force for distribution years from 2022. RMD ages follow IRC §401(a)(9)(C)(v) and 26 CFR 1.401(a)(9)-2(b)(2); for people born in 1959, for whom the statute can be read as 73 or 75, the calculator uses 73, as the IRS's 2024 proposed regulation does.
• If your spouse is your sole beneficiary for the whole year and is more than 10 years younger, you use the Joint and Last Survivor Table instead, which gives a smaller RMD. That table is not included here.
• Inherited IRAs, Roth IRAs (no RMDs for the original owner) and the still-working exception for a current employer's plan are not covered.
• Your first RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the following year, but then two RMDs are taxed in that year. The calculator shows each year's RMD in the year it belongs to.
• The projection uses a constant return you choose, applied to the whole balance, with the RMD taken at the end of each year and no other withdrawals or contributions. Actual returns vary; this is an assumption, not an expectation.
• This is an estimate for planning. It is informational and educational and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Your plan administrator or IRA custodian can confirm the amount.

Frequently asked questions