Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator
About Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
What are RMDs? The IRS requires you to withdraw a minimum amount from tax-deferred retirement accounts starting at age 72 (73 if born in 1960 or later).
RMD Calculation: RMD = Account Balance (Dec 31 prior year) ÷ Life Expectancy Factor
- RMDs must be taken by December 31 each year
- First RMD can be delayed until April 1 of the following year
- Failure to take RMD results in 25% penalty (reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years)
- Roth IRAs do NOT require RMDs during owner's lifetime
- Each retirement account requires separate RMD calculation
- Traditional IRAs
- SEP IRAs
- SIMPLE IRAs
- 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) plans
- Inherited Roth IRAs (not original owner's Roth IRA)
Note: This calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation, especially for inherited accounts or if your spouse is more than 10 years younger.
About This Calculator
Use the required minimum distribution (rmd) calculator when you want faster calculations with a clear method behind every result.
Inside personal finance, this tool gives you a practical way to model scenarios, compare outcomes, and make better next-step decisions without spreadsheet overhead.
If your workflow expands, pair this calculator with Compound Interest Calculator and Loan Payment Calculator to cross-check assumptions and build a stronger analysis chain.
Formula
RMD = Account balance / Distribution period factor | Age 73: 26.5, Age 75: 24.6, Age 80: 20.2, Age 85: 16.0, Age 90: 12.2, Age 95: 9.1 | Penalty for not taking = (RMD - Amount withdrawn) × 0.25
Example Calculation
The worked example below demonstrates how the input fields translate into the final output. Use it as a quick validation pass before entering your own numbers.
- Account balance (Dec 31 prior year): 6
- Age: 8
- IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor: 12
Explanation of Results
Result Interpretation
The required minimum distribution (rmd) calculator returned calculated value based on Account balance (Dec 31 prior year) 6, Age 8, and IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor 12. Use this result as a baseline, then adjust one input at a time to understand how sensitive your outcome is before making decisions.
FAQ
How should I validate the required minimum distribution (rmd) calculator result?
Run a second scenario with rounded numbers, then compare the direction and magnitude of the change before using the value operationally.
What formula is this based on?
This page uses the following formula logic: RMD = Account balance / Distribution period factor | Age 73: 26.5, Age 75: 24.6, Age 80: 20.2, Age 85: 16.0, Age 90: 12.2, Age 95: 9.1 | Penalty for not taking = (RMD - Amount withdrawn) × 0.25
Can I bookmark this personal finance tool?
Yes. Use the canonical URL /finance-economics/personal-finance/required-minimum-distribution-rmd-calculator to return to this calculator in the Finance & Economics library.
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