Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator
Calculate your RMD from your age and prior year-end balance using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Educational, not tax advice. Runs in your browser.
RMDs generally begin at age 73 (SECURE 2.0).
Account value on Dec 31 of last year.
RMD = prior year-end balance ÷ the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table distribution period for your age. This uses the table effective since 2022; it applies to most account owners (a separate Joint Life table applies if your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than 10 years younger). RMDs begin at 73 under SECURE 2.0 (rising to 75 in 2033), apply to traditional IRAs and most 401(k)s (not Roth IRAs during the owner’s life), and missing one carries a penalty. Not financial or tax advice — consult a professional. Everything runs in your browser.
About this tool
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are the amounts the IRS requires you to withdraw each year from most tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach the trigger age, so that the government eventually collects the income tax that was deferred when you contributed. This calculator uses the standard method: it divides your account balance as of December 31 of the prior year by a 'distribution period' — a life-expectancy factor — read from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. That table, in its current form effective since 2022, is what most account owners use; the factor decreases as you age, so the fraction of your balance you must withdraw rises each year (about 3.65% at 73, roughly 5% by 80, and higher thereafter). Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, RMDs now begin at age 73 for those who reach 72 after 2022, and the starting age rises to 75 in 2033. RMDs apply to traditional IRAs, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s; Roth IRAs are exempt during the original owner's lifetime, and Roth 401(k)s no longer require lifetime RMDs under recent law. A different table (the Joint Life and Last Survivor table) applies if your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than ten years younger, which produces a smaller RMD. Failing to take a full RMD triggers an excise tax penalty on the shortfall, so the dates and amounts matter. Enter your age and prior year-end balance to see the distribution period, the dollar RMD, and what percentage of your balance it represents. This is educational and not tax or financial advice — consult a qualified professional. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to use it
- Enter your age as of this year.
- Enter your retirement account balance as of December 31 last year.
- Read your distribution period (from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table), the dollar RMD, and the percentage of your balance.
- Repeat for each account type, noting Roth IRAs are exempt during your lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
- How is an RMD calculated?
- RMD = prior year-end account balance ÷ the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table distribution period for your age. For example, a $500,000 balance at age 73 (period 26.5) gives an RMD of about $18,868.
- At what age do RMDs start?
- Under SECURE 2.0, RMDs begin at age 73 for those reaching 72 after 2022. The starting age increases to 75 in 2033. Your first RMD can be delayed to April 1 of the year after you turn 73, but then two are due that year.
- Which accounts require RMDs?
- Traditional IRAs, SEP and SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer plans (401(k), 403(b), 457(b)). Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during the original owner's lifetime, and Roth 401(k)s no longer do either under recent law.
- What table does this use?
- The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (2022 revision), used by most account owners. A separate Joint Life and Last Survivor table applies — and lowers the RMD — if your sole beneficiary is a spouse more than 10 years younger than you.
- What happens if I miss an RMD?
- Missing or under-withdrawing an RMD triggers an IRS excise tax on the shortfall (reduced under SECURE 2.0, and further if corrected promptly). Because of this penalty, taking the full RMD on time is important.
- Is this tax advice?
- No. It is an educational calculator using the standard table. Special situations (younger-spouse beneficiary, inherited accounts, multiple accounts) differ. Consult a tax professional. Nothing is uploaded.