RMD Calculator (Uniform Lifetime Table)
Estimate your Required Minimum Distribution for a traditional IRA using IRS life-expectancy factors (updated table used by major custodians, including Schwab-style estimates).
How this Charles Schwab RMD calculator estimate works
This calculator uses the same core formula used across the industry for most retirement account owners:
RMD = Prior December 31 account balance ÷ IRS distribution factor
The distribution factor comes from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table and is based on your age in the distribution year. In short: as you get older, the factor gets smaller, and the required withdrawal gets larger as a percentage of your account.
Who this estimate is best for
- Traditional IRA owners taking annual required minimum distributions
- People planning cash flow, withholding, and tax impact before year-end
- Retirees comparing estimated RMDs across multiple years
When this estimate may differ from your custodian
- If your spouse is the sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger (special table applies)
- If the account is an inherited IRA (different rules and life expectancy methods can apply)
- If there are corrections, rollovers, recharacterizations, or account-specific adjustments
RMD start age rules (important in 2026)
Due to SECURE Act updates, the age when RMDs start depends on birth year:
- Born in 1950 or earlier: RMD age is 72
- Born 1951–1959: RMD age is 73
- Born 1960 or later: RMD age is 75
This page automatically checks whether an RMD appears required based on your age and selected year, then computes an estimate if applicable.
Example calculation
Suppose you are age 74 in 2026 and your IRA balance on 12/31/2025 was $500,000.
- IRS factor at age 74: 25.5
- Estimated RMD: $500,000 ÷ 25.5 = $19,607.84
If you already withdrew $10,000 earlier in the year, you would still need to withdraw about $9,607.84 to satisfy the estimated annual requirement.
Quick factor reference (Uniform Lifetime Table)
| Age | Distribution Factor | Approximate Withdrawal % |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 | 3.77% |
| 74 | 25.5 | 3.92% |
| 75 | 24.6 | 4.07% |
| 76 | 23.7 | 4.22% |
| 77 | 22.9 | 4.37% |
| 80 | 20.2 | 4.95% |
| 85 | 16.0 | 6.25% |
| 90 | 12.2 | 8.20% |
Practical tips before you take your RMD
- Confirm each account: IRA RMDs can often be aggregated across IRAs, but employer plans generally cannot.
- Plan taxes early: spreading withdrawals through the year may help with withholding and cash flow.
- Keep records: save account statements showing the prior year-end value used for your calculation.
- Check deadlines: first-year timing and annual withdrawal deadlines can affect taxes and penalties.
FAQ
Does this replace Schwab’s official calculator?
No. It is a convenient estimate tool modeled on the same standard RMD concept. For account-specific results, use your custodian’s official numbers.
What if I have multiple traditional IRAs?
You generally calculate each IRA’s RMD amount, then can withdraw the combined total from one or more IRAs. Employer plans follow different aggregation rules.
Can I take my RMD monthly?
Yes. Many retirees divide the annual estimate by 12 and automate withdrawals, as long as the full required amount is distributed by the deadline.