Required minimum distribution worksheet
RMD Calculator
Estimate the required minimum distribution for a traditional IRA, SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or similar retirement account. Enter the account balance from the previous December 31 and your age at the end of the distribution year to see a common owner-case estimate.
Estimated result
Required minimum distribution
Estimated RMD
$20,325.20
Based on a $500,000 balance divided by the age 75 denominator of 24.6.
Formula used
RMD = prior year-end account balance / applicable denominator.
Review before using the number
- Confirm the balance is from the close of business on the previous December 31.
- Use a different IRS table if the spouse-more-than-10-years-younger rule applies.
- Check inherited IRA and workplace-plan rules separately.
How to use
Use the RMD calculator as a worksheet, then verify the rule set
The required minimum distribution is usually figured by dividing a retirement account's prior year-end balance by an IRS life expectancy denominator. This page is designed for the most common owner calculation: an account owner using the Uniform Lifetime Table. It is useful for quick planning, tax withholding conversations, and checking whether a custodian estimate is in the expected range.
- Enter the account value from the previous December 31 statement.
- Enter your age at the end of the distribution year.
- Select the account type so the result note uses the right language.
- Flag spouse or inherited-account situations that may need another table.
- Review the result, monthly equivalent, withdrawal percentage, and deadline note.
Formula
What this required minimum distribution calculator covers
For a standard traditional IRA owner case, the calculation is simple: account balance divided by the applicable denominator. The denominator changes by age. For example, the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table denominator is 26.5 at age 73, 24.6 at age 75, 20.2 at age 80, and 16.0 at age 85. The RMD calculator shows the denominator so you can see the math instead of only seeing a final dollar amount.
This tool does not replace a custodian, plan administrator, tax adviser, or the IRS worksheets. It does not calculate inherited IRA distributions, the Joint and Last Survivor table, the Single Life table, annuity adjustments, missed-RMD excise tax, or charitable distribution strategy.
Examples
Example RMD estimates
Age 73 with a $350,000 IRA
The Uniform Lifetime denominator is 26.5. A $350,000 prior year-end balance gives an estimated RMD of $13,207.55 before tax withholding or plan-specific adjustments.
Age 80 with a $900,000 401(k)
The denominator is 20.2. The estimated required minimum distribution is $44,554.46. Workplace plans can have plan-specific details, so confirm the distribution process.
Age 75 with a younger spouse
A standard owner estimate may not apply if the spouse is the sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger. In that case, IRS Table II may produce a different denominator.
Review checklist
Before taking a distribution
- Confirm each IRA balance separately before deciding where to withdraw.
- Check whether this is your first RMD year and whether delaying until April 1 would create two distributions in one year.
- Ask the plan administrator about workplace-plan timing, still-working rules, and Roth account treatment.
- Review federal and state tax withholding before moving cash.
- Use a separate inherited IRA worksheet when the account came from someone else.
Privacy and scope
Browser-only estimate with conservative limits
The calculation runs in your browser. The page does not need your name, account number, Social Security number, login, or institution. The numbers you type are used only to update the visible estimate in this page.
RMD rules are tax-sensitive and can change. Use this RMD calculator as an educational worksheet, then compare the result with IRS guidance, your custodian's calculation, or a qualified professional who can review your full facts.
FAQ
RMD calculator questions
What balance should I enter?
Use the value of the account at the close of business on December 31 of the year before the distribution year, unless a special adjustment applies.
Which IRS table does this calculator use?
It uses the Uniform Lifetime Table for common owner cases where the spouse is not both the sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger.
Does this cover inherited IRAs?
No. Inherited IRA and beneficiary rules can use different timing and table logic. Use the appropriate IRS worksheet or professional guidance.
What if my spouse is more than 10 years younger?
If your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, IRS Table II may apply instead of the Uniform Lifetime Table.
When is the RMD deadline?
Annual RMDs are generally due by December 31. The first RMD may have a special April 1 timing rule, but delaying can create two distributions in one tax year.
Is this tax advice?
No. This is an independent educational tool. It estimates a common calculation and should be reviewed against official guidance and your facts.