How to use the RMD Calculator
Estimate rmd from your year of birth, year of rmd, account balance as of 12 or 31 last year with the RMD Calculator. It includes Required minimum distribution, Year workflows, so choose the one that matches the values you actually know. Use it as a planning baseline, then compare the estimate with current rates, fees, taxes, and provider terms.
Step by step
- For the RMD example, select Required minimum distribution and enter your year of birth, year of rmd, account balance as of 12 or 31 last year, irs life-expectancy table, is your spouse the primary beneficiary, and the remaining settings listed in the worked example. Keep each value in the unit displayed beside its field.
- Review the selected RMD workflow and inputs, then read rmd in the result panel.
- Change one RMD assumption at a time to compare scenarios. Use Reset to restore this tool's worked example values.
How the calculation works
Uses the 2025 IRS Publication 590-B Table III Uniform Lifetime and Table I Single Life factors; eligible sole-beneficiary spouses more than 10 years younger use the complete embedded Table II matrix for ages 20 through 120+. SECURE 2.0 starts RMDs at 73 for 1951–1959 births and 75 for 1960 or later births.
Worked example
To reproduce the RMD worked example, reset the calculator. Select the Required minimum distribution workflow. Use your year of birth 1950; year of rmd 2026; account balance as of 12 or 31 last year $500,000; irs life-expectancy table Uniform Lifetime (owner); is your spouse the primary beneficiary No; spouse age 70 years; estimated annual return 5 %. The result is rmd = of $21,097.05. Age in 2026: 76. Review the displayed units before comparing the result.
Understanding the result
The RMD reports rmd. Use it as a planning baseline, then compare the estimate with current rates, fees, taxes, and provider terms. U.S. federal planning estimate only. Account type, beneficiary status, plan terms, and later IRS changes can affect the required distribution.
How to check the answer
Check the RMD result by entering the same your year of birth, year of rmd, account balance as of 12 or 31 last year in an independent statement, lender, provider, or official tool. Change one input and confirm that rmd moves in the direction implied by Uses the 2025 IRS Publication 590-B Table III Uniform Lifetime and Table I Single Life factors; eligible sole-beneficiary spouses more than 10 years younger use the complete embedded Table II matrix for ages 20 through 120+. SECURE 2.0 starts RMDs at 73 for 1951–1959 births and 75 for 1960 or later births.
Common questions
What does the RMD calculate?
Estimate rmd from your year of birth, year of rmd, account balance as of 12 or 31 last year with the RMD Calculator.
Which inputs does the RMD example use?
The worked example uses your year of birth, year of rmd, account balance as of 12 or 31 last year, irs life-expectancy table, is your spouse the primary beneficiary, and the remaining settings listed in the worked example in the Required minimum distribution workflow. Other workflows can show different fields. Keep the chosen workflow and units with the result when comparing calculations.
Is the RMD result exact?
U.S. federal planning estimate only. Account type, beneficiary status, plan terms, and later IRS changes can affect the required distribution. Recheck your year of birth, year of rmd, account balance as of 12 or 31 last year and use rmd only for a decision where that level of precision is appropriate.