RMD Calculator + Projection Chart
Estimate your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table and build a year-by-year withdrawal chart.
Note: This tool uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (effective 2022+). If your spouse is more than 10 years younger and is your sole beneficiary, your divisor may be different.
How this RMD calculator chart works
Your Required Minimum Distribution is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw from certain retirement accounts once you reach RMD age. The calculation is straightforward:
RMD = Prior December 31 account balance ÷ IRS life-expectancy divisor
This page combines that formula with a forward-looking chart so you can preview how withdrawals may evolve over time based on an assumed annual return.
Step-by-step: using the calculator
- Enter your age at the end of the tax year.
- Enter your prior year-end IRA balance.
- Set your expected annual portfolio return.
- Choose how many years you want to project.
- Click Calculate RMD Chart to generate your annual schedule.
What the results show
- Divisor: IRS factor based on age.
- Start Balance: beginning account value for each year.
- RMD: minimum required withdrawal for that year.
- End Balance: estimated balance after RMD and growth.
- Real RMD: inflation-adjusted withdrawal estimate in today’s dollars.
Quick IRS Uniform Lifetime divisor chart (selected ages)
| Age | Divisor | Age | Divisor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 | 82 | 18.5 |
| 74 | 25.5 | 83 | 17.7 |
| 75 | 24.6 | 84 | 16.8 |
| 76 | 23.7 | 85 | 16.0 |
| 77 | 22.9 | 86 | 15.2 |
| 78 | 22.0 | 87 | 14.4 |
| 79 | 21.1 | 88 | 13.7 |
| 80 | 20.2 | 89 | 12.9 |
| 81 | 19.4 | 90 | 12.2 |
Planning tips for smarter RMD management
1) Plan for taxes before year-end
RMDs are generally taxable as ordinary income. Coordinate withdrawals with your broader tax strategy, including Social Security timing, capital gains, and Medicare IRMAA thresholds.
2) Consider monthly withdrawals
You do not have to wait until December. Taking periodic distributions during the year can reduce cash-flow stress and make withholding easier to manage.
3) Reinvest distributions in a taxable account
You cannot roll an RMD back into an IRA, but you can invest the after-tax amount in a brokerage account to keep your money compounding.
4) Use qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) when eligible
If eligible, a QCD can satisfy part (or all) of your RMD while potentially lowering taxable income. This can be powerful for charitably inclined retirees.
Important notes
- This tool provides estimates and educational planning support.
- RMD starting age depends on your birth year under current law.
- Inherited IRAs and special beneficiary cases follow different rules.
- Always confirm final numbers with your custodian or tax advisor.