rmd table calculator

What Is an RMD Table Calculator?

An RMD table calculator helps you estimate your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from tax-deferred retirement accounts such as traditional IRAs and many employer plans. The IRS provides life-expectancy tables. You divide your prior year-end account balance by the IRS divisor for your age to determine your minimum withdrawal for the current year.

This calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, which applies to most account owners. It also gives you a multi-year projection so you can preview how withdrawals may affect your balance over time.

How RMDs Are Calculated

The basic formula is simple:

RMD = Prior Year-End Account Balance ÷ IRS Distribution Period Divisor

• If your age is 73 and your divisor is 26.5, then a $500,000 balance produces an estimated RMD of about $18,867.92.
• The divisor generally gets smaller as you age, which means the percentage you must withdraw increases over time.
• Each year uses a fresh December 31 account value and the age-based divisor for that distribution year.

RMD Rule Snapshot for 2026

What to remember

• Many retirees begin RMDs at age 73 under current law (with future age transitions depending on birth year).
• Your first RMD can often be delayed until April 1 of the following year, but that can create two taxable distributions in one year.
• Roth IRAs owned by the original account owner generally do not have lifetime RMDs.
• Inherited account rules can be different and may involve separate timelines and penalties.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter your account value as of December 31 of last year.
2. Enter your age at the end of this year.
3. Add an estimated tax rate if you want a rough after-tax estimate.
4. Use growth and projection years to model future balances and RMD amounts.
5. Review the yearly projection table for planning discussions.

Example

Suppose your traditional IRA was worth $800,000 on December 31 and you are age 75 this year. The Uniform Lifetime divisor at age 75 is 24.6. Your estimated RMD is:

$800,000 ÷ 24.6 = $32,520.33

If your marginal tax rate is 22%, you might set aside roughly $7,154.47 for taxes, leaving about $25,365.86 net. Your real result may vary based on withholding choices, state taxes, and other taxable income.

Common RMD Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong year-end balance (it must be last year’s Dec 31 value).
• Forgetting to aggregate IRA RMDs correctly when allowed.
• Missing deadlines and triggering avoidable IRS penalties.
• Ignoring how RMD income can affect Social Security taxation and Medicare premiums.
• Assuming all account types follow identical RMD withdrawal rules.

Planning Tips

1) Run projections early

Estimate several years of withdrawals to understand long-term tax exposure and cash-flow needs.

2) Coordinate with tax strategy

RMDs can push you into higher tax brackets. Strategic Roth conversions (completed before RMD age or in low-income years) may reduce future RMD pressure.

3) Consider charitable goals

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) may help eligible retirees satisfy part of an RMD while reducing taxable income.

Important Disclaimer

This page is an educational estimator, not legal or tax advice. IRS guidance can change, and specific situations (spouse more than 10 years younger as sole beneficiary, inherited accounts, employer plan rules, trusts, etc.) may require different calculations. Confirm your final RMD with your plan custodian and a qualified tax professional.