What is an RMD, and who is required to take it?

An RMD is the minimum amount you must withdraw each year from certain retirement accounts, starting at a specific age. Most traditional IRA and 401(k) holders are required to take RMDs.

When do I have to start taking RMDs?

For most people, RMDs begin at age 73. Your first distribution is due by April 1 of the year after you turn 73.

What happens if I don’t take my RMD?

If you fail to take your RMD, the IRS may impose a penalty equal to 25% of the amount you should have withdrawn.

What account balance should I enter?

Enter the value of your retirement account as of December 31 of the year before your first RMD is due.

Can I download my full RMD schedule?

Yes, after calculating, you can export your entire 25-year RMD schedule as a PDF or Excel file.

Does the calculator account for investment growth?

Yes, the calculator projects your year-end balances after RMDs and anticipated account growth, giving you a clearer picture of your financial future.

RMD Calculator

Calculate your required minimum distributions.

Calculator Inputs

Uniform Lifetime Table (IRS Table III)

Prior year-end balance ($)

Dec 31 balance before the first distribution year (e.g., for 2026 RMDs, typically Dec 31, 2025).

Birth year

First distribution year

Projection years (1–40)

Expected return after RMD (%/year, 0–100)

Results

RMD start age 73 for birth year 1952. First schedule year age 74.

First-year RMD

$19,608

Divisor

25.5

RMD % of start balance

3.92%

End balance (year 1)

$504,412

Projected Balance Over Time

Year-end balance after RMD and growth (illustrative)

Required Minimum Distribution by Year

All 25 years

Yearly Breakdown

First 15 years. Download full schedule for all 25 years.

Year	Age	Balance (start)	Divisor	RMD	Balance (end)
2026	74	$500,000	25.5	$19,608	$504,412
2027	75	$504,412	24.6	$20,505	$508,103
2028	76	$508,103	23.7	$21,439	$510,997
2029	77	$510,997	22.9	$22,314	$513,117
2030	78	$513,117	22	$23,323	$514,283
2031	79	$514,283	21.1	$24,374	$514,405
2032	80	$514,405	20.2	$25,466	$513,386
2033	81	$513,386	19.4	$26,463	$511,269
2034	82	$511,269	18.5	$27,636	$507,815
2035	83	$507,815	17.7	$28,690	$503,081
2036	84	$503,081	16.8	$29,945	$496,792
2037	85	$496,792	16	$31,050	$489,030
2038	86	$489,030	15.2	$32,173	$479,700
2039	87	$479,700	14.4	$33,312	$468,706
2040	88	$468,706	13.7	$34,212	$456,219

For educational and estimation purposes only; not financial, tax, or legal advice. U.S. context. RMD rules are complex; use IRS Pub. 590-B and Form 1099-R guidance, or consult a tax or financial professional.

How It Works

Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the calculator:

Enter Your Account Balance:Input your retirement account balance as of December 31 before your first RMD year. For example, to calculate your 2026 RMD, use your balance from December 31, 2025.
Enter Your Year of Birth:The calculator uses this information to determine your RMD start age and schedule.
Enter Your First RMD Year and Age:This helps the calculator align your retirement withdrawals with IRS regulations.
Calculate:After entering the above details, click “Calculate.” The calculator will use the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table (Table III) to determine your divisor and calculate your required withdrawal.
Review Results:The Results section will show:
- Your first-year RMD amount in dollars
- The divisor used for your age
- The percentage of your starting balance that must be withdrawn
- Your projected end balance after the first RMD
View Projected Balances and Withdrawals:Interactive charts illustrate:
- How your account balance could change year by year after each RMD and projected investment growth
- The required minimum distribution by year for up to 25 years
Examine the Yearly Breakdown:See a table with your age, starting balance, divisor, RMD amount, and projected end balance for each year (first 15 years shown online, full 25-year schedule available for download).
Export or Copy Results:Use the Copy button for quick sharing, or export your results as a PDF or Excel file for detailed record-keeping and planning.

This straightforward process helps you stay on top of your retirement requirements and plan withdrawals with confidence.

Understanding Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Required Minimum Distributions, or RMDs, are minimum annual withdrawals the IRS requires from certain retirement accounts once you reach a specific age.

These withdrawals apply to most traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and similar retirement plans. The purpose of RMDs is to ensure that individuals eventually pay taxes on their tax-deferred retirement savings.

If you were born in 1952, you must start taking RMDs at age 73, with your first scheduled distribution typically occurring at age 74. The amount you’re required to withdraw each year is calculated using IRS tables, which take your age and account balance into account.

Understanding RMDs is important because failing to withdraw the right amount can result in significant IRS penalties. This calculator helps you estimate your annual RMDs, project your account balance over time, and plan your retirement withdrawals confidently.

How This Calculator Helps

This RMD Calculator is designed to make complex retirement withdrawal rules easy to understand and manage. By entering your:

Year of birth
First RMD year
Current age
Account balance as of December 31 before your first distribution year

…the calculator will:

Estimate your first-year RMD amount and the divisor used (from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table)
Show the percentage of your balance that must be withdrawn
Project your end-of-year balance after the initial RMD, accounting for growth
Display a visual chart of projected balances and required withdrawals over time
Provide a detailed year-by-year withdrawal schedule for up to 25 years
Allow you to copy results or export your data as a PDF or Excel file

With these features, you can better plan your retirement income, understand future required withdrawals, and avoid costly mistakes.