Which table do I use?

Most use the Uniform Lifetime Table. If your spouse is >10 years younger and sole beneficiary, use the Joint Life table.

Do Roth IRAs have RMDs?

Roth IRAs for the owner do not. Roth 401(k)s do unless rolled to a Roth IRA (rules changing in 2024+).

What if I miss an RMD?

Penalties may apply; consult IRS guidance and your tax advisor.

Can a QCD satisfy RMD?

Yes, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs can offset RMD amounts.

Do I include employer plans separately?

Yes, calculate per account rules; some plans allow aggregation (IRAs can aggregate; 401(k)s typically cannot).

finance calculator

RMD Calculator (Required Minimum Distribution)

Estimate your required minimum distribution by dividing the prior year-end account balance by the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor for your age.

Results

Required minimum distribution: $20,755
Distribution factor used: 26.50

How to use this calculator

Enter your prior year-end retirement account balance.
Enter your age and corresponding distribution factor.
Review your RMD amount for the year.

Inputs explained

Account balance: Prior year-end balance for accounts subject to RMD (traditional IRA, 401(k), etc.).
Age/factor: Use the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor for your age; joint life table applies in limited cases.

How it works

RMD = prior year-end balance ÷ distribution factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (most taxpayers).

Enter your age and factor (e.g., age 73 → 26.5); update factors yearly per IRS tables.

Formula

RMD = Prior year-end balance ÷ Distribution factor

When to use it

Planning withdrawals to satisfy RMD rules.
Estimating tax impact of RMDs on income.
Coordinating charitable distributions (QCDs) to offset RMD.

Tips & cautions

Update the distribution factor each year as you age.
QCDs can satisfy RMDs for IRAs—consider if charitably inclined.
Missing RMDs can incur penalties; verify using current IRS rules.
Simplified for Uniform Lifetime Table; does not automatically adjust factor by age.
Does not include special spouse-more-than-10-years-younger rules (use Joint Life Table there).
Does not include Roth accounts (generally no RMDs for owners).

Worked examples

$550k balance, age 73, factor 26.5

RMD ≈ $20,754

$800k balance, age 75, factor 24.6

RMD ≈ $32,520

Deep dive

This RMD calculator divides your prior year-end retirement balance by the IRS distribution factor for your age to estimate your required minimum distribution.

Use it to plan withdrawals, QCDs, and tax impact for the year.

FAQs

Which table do I use?: Most use the Uniform Lifetime Table. If your spouse is >10 years younger and sole beneficiary, use the Joint Life table.
Do Roth IRAs have RMDs?: Roth IRAs for the owner do not. Roth 401(k)s do unless rolled to a Roth IRA (rules changing in 2024+).
What if I miss an RMD?: Penalties may apply; consult IRS guidance and your tax advisor.
Can a QCD satisfy RMD?: Yes, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs can offset RMD amounts.
Do I include employer plans separately?: Yes, calculate per account rules; some plans allow aggregation (IRAs can aggregate; 401(k)s typically cannot).

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Estimate only. RMD rules, factors, and penalties can change. Confirm with current IRS tables and a tax professional.