What is an RMD and who must take one?

An RMD, or Required Minimum Distribution, is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw each year from traditional retirement accounts starting at age 73. Failure to take the full amount can result in a steep penalty.

Can I withdraw more than the RMD if I want to?

Yes, you can always withdraw more than the minimum. However, only the RMD amount counts toward the required withdrawal; extra distributions are taxed as ordinary income just like the minimum.

Does the RMD calculator use the same table for everyone?

Most calculators use the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, but some offer a Joint Life Table if your spouse is the sole beneficiary and is more than ten years younger than you, which typically results in a lower RMD.

Are Roth IRAs subject to RMD rules?

Original Roth IRA owners do not have to take RMDs during their lifetime, but beneficiaries who inherit a Roth IRA must follow RMD rules. Roth 401(k) accounts are subject to RMD rules while you are alive.

How accurate are online RMD calculators?

Online calculators are accurate for the IRS formula as long as you input the correct account balance as of December 31 of the prior year and your current age. They do not predict market returns or tax impacts.

Retirement & Savings2 options compared

RMD Calculator

Calculates the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) amount from various retirement accounts based on current rules and beneficiary information. This tool takes key personal data, such as account balances, age, and life expectancy factors, to determine the minimum amount of money that must be withdrawn annually. Furthermore, it offers predictive modeling, allowing users to estimate potential future...

Finance calculator free retirement RMD required minimum distribution IRA withdrawal 401k withdrawal

Editors’ Top PickBased on community votes

Calculator.net

calculator.net

This calculator computes the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) of your retirement accounts. It also predicts future...

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Financial Toolset
financialtoolset.com
Calculate required minimum distributions using IRS Uniform Lifetime Table with 10-year projections and Joint Life Tab...
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RMD Calculator options compared

Tool	Best for	Strengths	Limitations
Calculator.net calculator.net	Quick RMD estimate	IRS-compliant calculations Simple age and balance inputs	No joint life table option Basic future projections only
Financial Toolset financialtoolset.com	Detailed retirement planning	Joint Life Table support 10-year projections	More fields to fill out No community votes or user feedback

Buyer's guide

How to choose a rmd calculator

If you just need the IRS minimum withdrawal number for this year, pick the tool that asks for age and account balance only. If you are mapping out withdrawals over several years or need to factor a spouse’s age into the calculation, the extra fields in the other option become worth the time.

Questions

RMD Calculator FAQ

What is an RMD and who must take one?: An RMD, or Required Minimum Distribution, is the minimum amount the IRS requires you to withdraw each year from traditional retirement accounts starting at age 73. Failure to take the full amount can result in a steep penalty.
Can I withdraw more than the RMD if I want to?: Yes, you can always withdraw more than the minimum. However, only the RMD amount counts toward the required withdrawal; extra distributions are taxed as ordinary income just like the minimum.
Does the RMD calculator use the same table for everyone?: Most calculators use the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table, but some offer a Joint Life Table if your spouse is the sole beneficiary and is more than ten years younger than you, which typically results in a lower RMD.
Are Roth IRAs subject to RMD rules?: Original Roth IRA owners do not have to take RMDs during their lifetime, but beneficiaries who inherit a Roth IRA must follow RMD rules. Roth 401(k) accounts are subject to RMD rules while you are alive.
How accurate are online RMD calculators?: Online calculators are accurate for the IRS formula as long as you input the correct account balance as of December 31 of the prior year and your current age. They do not predict market returns or tax impacts.

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