A Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw annually from tax-deferred retirement accounts like Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s starting at age 73. Failing to take your full RMD can result in a steep penalty tax. This free calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table to compute your exact distribution amount, monthly equivalent, and a 10-year projection so you can plan withdrawals and manage your tax liability.
Your Account Details
Total balance as of December 31 of prior year
RMDs begin at age 73 (SECURE Act 2.0)
Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during owner's lifetime
Used for 10-year projection estimate
Your Required Minimum Distribution
Deadline Reminder
10-Year RMD Projection
| Year | Age | Starting Balance | Divisor | RMD Amount |
|---|
IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Ages 73-90)
| Age | Distribution Period | % Withdrawn |
|---|
How to Use the RMD Calculator
Once you reach age 73, the IRS requires you to start taking Required Minimum Distributions from your Traditional IRA, 401(k), and other tax-deferred retirement accounts each year. The amount is calculated by dividing your account balance by a life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Missing or underpaying your RMD can trigger a penalty of up to 25% of the shortfall. This calculator helps you determine your exact distribution amount and plan ahead with a 10-year projection.
Step 1: Enter Your Account Balance
Enter the total balance of your retirement account as of December 31 of the prior year. The IRS uses the prior year-end balance to calculate the current year's RMD. If you have multiple Traditional IRA accounts, you can calculate the RMD for each separately or combine the balances — IRA RMDs can be taken from any single IRA or split across multiple accounts. For 401(k) accounts, RMDs must generally be taken from each plan individually.
Step 2: Enter Your Age
Enter the age you will turn during this calendar year. Under the SECURE Act 2.0, RMDs begin at age 73 for individuals who turned 72 after December 31, 2022. The calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table divisor corresponding to your age to determine the required withdrawal amount. As you age, the divisor decreases, meaning your RMD percentage increases each year.
Step 3: Select Your Account Type
Choose between Traditional IRA, 401(k), or Inherited IRA. The account type affects deadline reminders and planning notes. Traditional IRAs and 401(k)s follow the same Uniform Lifetime Table. Inherited IRAs may have different distribution rules depending on when the account was inherited and your relationship to the original owner.
Step 4: Set a Growth Rate for Projections
The assumed annual growth rate is used only for the 10-year projection table. It estimates how your account balance might change over time after each year's RMD is withdrawn. A conservative estimate of 4-6% is common for balanced retirement portfolios. This helps you see how your distributions and remaining balance may evolve in future years.
Step 5: Review Your Results
After clicking "Calculate RMD," you will see your exact distribution amount for this year, the monthly equivalent if you prefer periodic withdrawals, and the percentage of your balance being distributed. The 10-year projection shows how your RMD changes each year as your balance grows (or declines) and your IRS divisor decreases with age. All calculations run privately in your browser — nothing is stored or sent to any server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this RMD calculator free?
Yes, this RMD calculator is completely free with no signup, no account, and no hidden fees. All calculations run entirely in your browser using the current IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. You can calculate unlimited scenarios without sharing any personal financial data.
Is my financial data safe and private?
Absolutely. Everything runs locally in your web browser — your account balance, age, and distribution amounts are never sent to any server. You can even disconnect from the internet after loading the page and the calculator will continue working.
What age do RMDs start under SECURE Act 2.0?
Under the SECURE Act 2.0, Required Minimum Distributions begin at age 73 for people who turn 72 after December 31, 2022. The RMD starting age is scheduled to increase to 75 in 2033. This calculator uses the current age-73 threshold.
What is the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table?
The Uniform Lifetime Table is the standard IRS table used to calculate RMDs. It provides a distribution period (divisor) based on your age. You divide your account balance by the divisor to find your RMD. For example, at age 73 the divisor is 26.5, so a $500,000 balance would require an RMD of about $18,868.
When is the RMD deadline?
For your first RMD, you have until April 1 of the year after you turn 73. For all subsequent years, the deadline is December 31. Note that delaying your first RMD to April means you will have two RMDs in that second year, which could push you into a higher tax bracket.
Do Roth IRAs require RMDs?
No, Roth IRAs are not subject to Required Minimum Distributions during the original owner's lifetime. However, inherited Roth IRAs may have distribution requirements depending on the beneficiary's relationship to the original owner and when the account was inherited.
How does the 10-year projection work?
The projection estimates your RMD each year for the next 10 years by applying an assumed annual growth rate to your account balance and using the IRS divisor for each successive age. This shows how your distributions may change as your balance grows or shrinks and your divisor decreases with age.
What happens if I miss my RMD deadline?
Missing an RMD deadline used to incur a 50% excise tax on the amount not withdrawn. Under SECURE Act 2.0, the penalty was reduced to 25%, and further reduced to 10% if corrected within two years. It is still important to take your full RMD on time to avoid unnecessary penalties.