RMD Calculator
Required Minimum Distribution using current IRS table.
Your 2026 required minimum distribution
$20,325
- IRS distribution factor
- 24.6
- Monthly equivalent
- $1,693.77
- % of balance
- 4.07%
Uniform Lifetime Table
rises every year
RMD penalty: missing an RMD triggers a 25% penalty on the under-distributed amount (reduced to 10% if corrected within 2 years, down from the pre-SECURE 2.0 50%). File Form 5329 with the IRS to request a waiver if a miss was due to reasonable error.
Your numbers
$500,000
Born 1951 (RMDs start at 73)
Age at the end of 2026: 75
Next steps
The Required Minimum Distribution Calculator uses the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Publication 590-B) to compute your annual RMD from Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and similar pre-tax accounts. SECURE 2.0 (2022) raised the RMD start age to 73 (born 1951–1959) and 75 (born 1960+, starting in 2033). Missing an RMD triggers a 25% penalty — accurate compliance matters.
How this calculator works
- Enter your account balance as of December 31 of the PRIOR year (the figure on your year-end statement).
- Enter your current age. The Uniform Lifetime Table factor changes every year, so the required distribution grows as a % of the balance with age.
- Enter your birth year so the calculator picks the right SECURE 2.0 start age (73 if born 1951–1959, 75 if born 1960+).
- Read your RMD for the current year. You must take it by December 31 (April 1 of the FIRST RMD year if you defer — but doing so doubles up the first two years).
RMD = balance_prior_year_end / distribution_period_factorThe IRS publishes a Uniform Lifetime Table (Table III in Pub 590-B) that gives a distribution period factor for each age. Divide your prior year-end balance by the factor to get the minimum you must withdraw this year. The factor decreases as you age, so the % you must withdraw grows.
- balance_prior_year_end
- Account balance on December 31 of the prior year
- distribution_period_factor
- IRS Uniform Lifetime Table value for your age (Pub 590-B)
Frequently asked questions
When do RMDs start?
Under SECURE 2.0 (2022): age 73 if you were born 1951-1959, age 75 if born 1960 or later (starts 2033). RMDs apply to Traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and similar pre-tax retirement accounts. Roth IRAs have no RMDs during the account owner's lifetime.
What if I miss an RMD?
The penalty was reduced by SECURE 2.0 from 50% to 25% of the under-distributed amount, and to 10% if corrected within 2 years. Still a significant penalty — file Form 5329 with the IRS to request a waiver if the miss was reasonable.
How is the RMD calculated?
RMD = (prior year-end account balance) ÷ (distribution period factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table). The factor decreases as you age, so the % of the balance you must withdraw grows each year.
Can I take more than the RMD?
Yes. The RMD is the minimum; you can withdraw any amount above it. Extra withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income but reduce the future taxable balance.
Sources used in this calculator
Reviewed by the Money Scale editorial team. How we source our data
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