RMD Calculator
Calculate your Required Minimum Distribution instantly based on IRS Uniform Lifetime Tables.
Your Required Minimum Distribution
Based on an IRS distribution period of - years.
How is the RMD Calculated?
A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount you must withdraw from your retirement accounts each year. The calculation relies on dividing the prior year-end balance of your retirement accounts by a life expectancy factor, known as the "distribution period," which is published by the IRS.
The Formula
The standard RMD formula is remarkably straightforward once you locate your distribution period:
RMD = Account Balance on Dec 31 of Prior Year ÷ IRS Distribution Period
For example, if your prior year-end balance was $500,000, and you are 75 years old this year, your IRS distribution period according to the Uniform Lifetime Table is 24.6 years.
RMD = $500,000 ÷ 24.6 = $20,325.20
The IRS Uniform Lifetime Table
Most unmarried individuals and married owners whose spouses are not more than 10 years younger use the Uniform Lifetime Table. The IRS updated this table starting in 2022 to reflect longer life expectancies. The calculator above uses these current values to compute your RMD.
Here are the distribution periods for common ages under the current IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (used for 2023, 2024, 2025, and beyond):
- Age 73: 26.5 years
- Age 74: 25.5 years
- Age 75: 24.6 years
- Age 80: 20.2 years
- Age 85: 16.0 years
- Age 90: 12.2 years
When Do You Have to Start Taking RMDs?
The rules governing when you must begin taking RMDs have shifted recently due to legislation. If you reach age 72 after December 31, 2022, and age 73 before January 1, 2033, your first RMD must be taken for the year you turn 73. If you reach age 74 after December 31, 2032, your RMD starting age is 75.
Which Accounts Are Subject to RMD Rules?
You must calculate and withdraw an RMD for almost all tax-advantaged retirement accounts, including:
- Traditional IRAs
- SEP and SIMPLE IRAs
- 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) plans
Note: Starting in 2024, employer-sponsored Roth accounts (like Roth 401(k)s) are no longer subject to RMD rules during the account owner's lifetime. Roth IRAs have never been subject to lifetime RMDs.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do I have to take an RMD?
For 2023 and beyond, the SECURE 2.0 Act raised the starting age for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to 73. Starting in 2033, the age will increase again to 75.
How is an RMD calculated?
Your RMD is calculated by dividing your retirement account's prior year-end balance by a life expectancy factor published by the IRS (typically the Uniform Lifetime Table). For example, if your balance was $100,000 and your factor is 27.4, your RMD is $100,000 / 27.4 = $3,649.64.
What happens if I don't take my RMD?
If you fail to take your full Required Minimum Distribution by the deadline, the IRS imposes an excise tax (penalty). The SECURE 2.0 Act reduced this penalty from 50% to 25% of the shortfall, and it can be further reduced to 10% if corrected within a specific window.
Which retirement accounts require RMDs?
RMDs are required for traditional IRAs, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and employer-sponsored plans like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and 457(b)s. Starting in 2024, Roth 401(k)s are no longer subject to RMDs. Roth IRAs also do not have RMDs during the original owner's lifetime.
Can I take more than my required minimum distribution?
Yes, you can always withdraw more than your RMD amount. However, the excess withdrawal cannot be applied to future years' RMDs, and the entire withdrawn amount will generally be subject to ordinary income tax (unless it contains after-tax contributions).