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Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator

Work out the minimum you must withdraw this year from a traditional IRA, 401(k) or similar account, using the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table and the RMD age rules.

$16,260.16Required minimum distribution at age 75

Distribution period (Uniform Lifetime Table)24.6
Formula$400,000 ÷ 24.6
Your RMD starting age73

If your spouse is more than 10 years younger and your sole beneficiary, a different table gives a smaller RMD. Missing an RMD can cost a 25% excise tax (10% if corrected promptly). Roth IRAs have no RMDs for the owner.

How this calculator works

Your RMD is last year’s December 31 balance divided by the distribution period for your age at the end of this year.

The distribution period comes from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table: 26.5 at 73, 24.6 at 75 and 20.2 at 80, for example.

RMDs start at age 73 if you were born from 1951 to 1959, and at 75 if born in 1960 or later.

Each account type is calculated separately; IRA RMDs can be taken from any one of your IRAs, but 401(k) RMDs must come from each plan.

Worked example

$400,000 balance, age 75

  1. Distribution period: 24.6.
  2. RMD: $400,000 ÷ 24.6 = $16,260.16.
  3. It must be withdrawn by December 31 (April 1 of the next year for your first RMD).

Questions people ask

What if I miss an RMD?

The excise tax is 25% of the amount not withdrawn, reduced to 10% if you correct it promptly.

Do Roth IRAs have RMDs?

Not for the original owner. Since 2024, Roth 401(k)s don’t require them either.

Can I give my RMD to charity?

From age 70½, a qualified charitable distribution sent directly from an IRA to a charity counts toward your RMD and isn’t taxable.

What if my spouse is much younger?

If your spouse is more than 10 years younger and your sole beneficiary, you use the Joint Life table, which gives a smaller RMD.

Sources

Last reviewed October 2, 2026