RMD Calculator
Adjust the inputs below. Results update as you type.
How it works
RMD = prior December 31 account balance / IRS life expectancy factor from Uniform Lifetime Table. Starting age is 73 (SECURE 2.0 Act, 2023). First RMD can be delayed to April 1 of the year after turning 73. Missing an RMD triggers a 25% excise tax (reduced to 10% if corrected promptly). Roth IRA owner is not subject to RMDs during their lifetime.
Input guidance
- Use realistic rates from lender or provider quotes instead of headline averages.
- Model conservative, baseline, and optimistic scenarios before deciding.
- Include recurring real-world costs (fees, taxes, insurance, maintenance) where relevant.
The formula
A required minimum distribution = account balance at year-end ÷ the IRS life-expectancy factor for your age. The factor falls with age, so the required percentage rises.
Worked example
A $500,000 IRA at age 73 with a life-expectancy factor of about 26.5 requires a withdrawal of roughly $18,900 that year.
More examples to test
- Conservative case: use a higher interest rate and lower growth assumptions to stress-test affordability.
- Optimistic case: use a lower rate with stable income assumptions to compare upside potential.
How to interpret results
Treat this as a planning model, not a final approval tool. Compare at least two scenarios and focus on total-cost and cash-flow trade-offs.
When this can be inaccurate
Results can diverge due to fees, changing rates, tax rules, lender policies, and behavior changes that simplified models cannot fully capture.
Change history
- July 2026: Quality-reviewed for publication with formula checks and explanatory copy updates.
Site-wide corrections also appear on the corrections log.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an RMD?+
A required minimum distribution — the minimum amount you must withdraw each year from most tax-deferred retirement accounts once you reach the RMD age.
What happens if I skip it?+
Missing an RMD triggers a steep IRS penalty on the shortfall, so it is important to take at least the required amount on time.
Do Roth IRAs have RMDs?+
Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the original owner's lifetime, one reason they are valuable for estate and tax planning.
How should I use this result?+
Treat it as a planning estimate. Compare at least two realistic scenarios, then confirm with statements, quotes, or a qualified professional before acting.
How often should I refresh assumptions?+
Refresh whenever rates, income, costs, or policy limits change materially, and before making irreversible commitments.