Required Minimum Distribution Calculator
Last updated: July 2026
Estimate an annual RMD using an account balance and life-expectancy factor.
Estimated annual RMD
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- Monthly equivalent: —
- Percent of balance: —
On this page
Quick summary: Estimate an annual RMD using an account balance and life-expectancy factor. Enter the requested values, calculate, review the result, and compare more than one realistic scenario before making a decision.
Read the complete guide
What this calculator does
The Required Minimum Distribution Calculator estimates the annual withdrawal amount that may be required from certain retirement accounts using the age, balance, and life-expectancy factor assumptions represented by the page.
How to use the calculator step by step
Enter the account balance and age or divisor requested by the calculator. Use the correct prior-year-end balance and distribution table for the applicable rule set.
How the calculation works
RMD is commonly calculated by dividing the relevant retirement-account balance by a life-expectancy factor from an official table.
Worked example and scenario testing
If the applicable year-end balance is 500,000 and the divisor is 25, the estimated required distribution would be 20,000.
How to interpret your result
The result estimates the minimum distribution under the inputs provided. Withdrawing more than the minimum does not generally reduce the following year's calculation in a simple one-for-one way because the next balance and divisor will change.
Accuracy, assumptions, and limitations
Rules vary by account type, beneficiary status, age, inherited accounts, employer plans, law changes, and official tables.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not use the wrong year's ending balance or divisor. Also avoid assuming Roth and traditional retirement accounts always follow identical RMD rules.
Privacy and browser-based calculations
Only balance and age-related values are required. Do not enter retirement account numbers or taxpayer identifiers.