Required Minimum Distribution Calculator
In brief
Divide an entered prior-year-end balance by the 2026 IRS Uniform Lifetime Table denominator. This tool does not cover inherited accounts or the younger-spouse table.
- Published
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Estimated result
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Detail
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Detail
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How to interpret this estimate
Decision guide
Use the result without overreading it
This calculator applies the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table method for an account owner: divide the prior December 31 balance by the distribution-period factor for the age reached during the displayed year. It is intentionally unavailable for inherited-account calculations and special spouse-table cases.
An RMD is generally a minimum distribution, not a recommended spending amount. The withdrawal can affect taxable income and other income-sensitive rules, so the calculation is only the first step in planning.
A reliable workflow
- 1.Use the eligible account balance from December 31 of the preceding year.
- 2.Enter the age reached during the displayed distribution year.
- 3.Confirm whether the Uniform Lifetime Table applies or whether an inherited-account or younger-spouse rule requires a different method.
- 4.Coordinate multiple accounts carefully; aggregation rules differ by account type.
Worked example
Hypothetical age-73 owner calculation
For an owner who reaches age 73 and has an entered prior-year-end balance of $500,000, the calculator uses the maintained Table III factor of 26.5. Dividing $500,000 by 26.5 produces an estimated distribution of about $18,868 before any custodian adjustments or special rules.
The result does not determine withholding, the taxable portion of a distribution, a qualified charitable distribution, or whether another table applies. The custodian's calculation and current IRS instructions should be reviewed before acting.
How to interpret the output
- ✓A lower table denominator produces a larger required percentage of the entered balance.
- ✓The prior-year-end balance matters even if the account value changes substantially during the distribution year.
- ✓Taking more than the minimum generally does not reduce a future year's RMD dollar-for-dollar; the next calculation uses its own year-end balance and factor.
Common mistakes
- •Using the current balance instead of the required prior December 31 balance.
- •Applying the owner table to an inherited account.
- •Assuming every retirement account can be aggregated together.
- •Treating the estimate as tax preparation or a withdrawal recommendation.