IRA Distribution Calculator
How to Use This Calculator
- 1
Enter your IRA Balance and Your Age
Use the traditional IRA balance and age relevant to the distribution year. The calculator applies the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table factor.
- 2
Set Expected Growth Rate and Federal Tax Rate
Enter the annual return assumed for money left invested and your estimated marginal federal rate. The tax result is an estimate, not a tax calculation.
- 3
Review the RMD and projection
Check the estimated annual distribution, after-tax amount, and 10-year projection. The calculator assumes RMDs begin at age 73, so verify the applicable start age for your birth year.
Example Calculation
A 73-year-old has $500,000 in a traditional IRA, expects 5% annual growth, and uses a 22% federal tax rate.
IRA Balance ($)
500,000
Your Age (years)
73
Expected Growth Rate (%)
5
Federal Tax Rate (%)
22
Results
Required Minimum Distribution
$18,867.92
After-Tax Distribution
$14,716.98
Estimated Tax on RMD
$4,150.94
Life Expectancy Factor
26.5
10-Year Total RMDs
See projection
Projected Balance (Year 10)
See projection
Insights card shows the annual RMD relative to the IRA balance.
Tips
At age 75, the factor falls to 24.6
Change Your Age from 73 to 75 and keep the $500,000 balance. The smaller factor produces a larger first-year RMD.
A 3% return produces a lower projected year-10 balance than 5%
Change Expected Growth Rate from 5% to 3% to test how lower returns affect the balance after projected distributions.
A 24% federal rate raises estimated tax on the first RMD
Change Federal Tax Rate from 22% to 24% to compare the estimated tax withheld from the distribution; the RMD amount itself does not change.
What this calculator estimates
A required minimum distribution is the annual minimum withdrawal generally required from a traditional IRA once you reach the applicable starting age. This calculator estimates an RMD using an age-based IRS life-expectancy factor, then estimates tax and projects future balances; it does not calculate state tax, withholding, or every special beneficiary rule.
How the RMD is calculated
The standard calculation divides the prior year-end account balance by the applicable distribution period from an IRS life-expectancy table.
RMD = IRA balance / life expectancy factor
Estimated federal tax = RMD × federal tax rate
Estimated after-tax distribution = RMD − estimated federal tax
For the example, the age-73 Uniform Lifetime Table factor is 26.5. The estimated RMD is $500,000 ÷ 26.5 = $18,867.92. At a 22% federal rate, estimated tax is $18,867.92 × 22% = $4,150.94, leaving about $14,716.98 after the modeled federal tax.
The IRS generally bases an RMD on the account’s balance at the end of the previous year, not the current balance on the day you withdraw. Use the correct prior December 31 balance when estimating your actual required amount.
How age and growth change the projection
The Uniform Lifetime Table factor declines as age increases. With the same balance, a smaller factor produces a larger RMD. The projection then subtracts each year’s estimated distribution and applies the selected growth rate to the remaining balance.
| Age | Uniform Lifetime Table factor | RMD on a $500,000 balance |
|---|---|---|
| 73 | 26.5 | $18,867.92 |
| 75 | 24.6 | $20,325.20 |
| 80 | 20.2 | $24,752.48 |
The projection is a scenario, not a guaranteed account path. Actual returns vary, and withdrawals may be taken at different times during the year. A higher assumed return can leave a larger projected balance even as the annual RMD factor declines.
Tax and timing decisions
Traditional IRA RMDs are generally included in taxable income. A large distribution can affect your marginal tax bracket and other income-sensitive costs, so compare the after-tax amount with your spending needs before choosing a withdrawal schedule. The federal tax estimate here applies one rate to the entire RMD and does not model progressive tax brackets.
You generally cannot satisfy an IRA RMD by rolling the required amount into another retirement account. If you have multiple traditional IRAs, the RMDs can generally be calculated separately and aggregated for withdrawal, but workplace-plan rules differ. Confirm the rules for each account type with the IRS RMD FAQ.
Use the IRA growth calculator to model saving before retirement, or the IRA conversion calculator to estimate the tax tradeoff of a Roth conversion. For withdrawals from non-IRA savings, compare the savings distribution calculator.
When to use a different calculator
- Estimate future IRA value before distributions begin → IRA growth calculator
- Compare a Roth conversion with leaving funds in a traditional IRA → IRA conversion calculator
- Model withdrawals from savings outside an IRA → savings distribution calculator
- Compare retirement account types and saving options → IRA vs. 401(k) calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a required minimum distribution?
A required minimum distribution, or RMD, is the minimum amount the federal tax rules generally require you to withdraw from certain retirement accounts each year. Traditional IRA distributions are generally taxable as ordinary income, while Roth IRAs owned by the original account holder are not subject to lifetime RMDs.
At what age do IRA RMDs begin?
The applicable starting age depends on your birth year; many people now begin at 73, while people born in 1960 or later generally begin at 75 under current law. Check the IRS RMD guidance for your birth year and account type because this calculator assumes age 73.
How do I calculate an IRA RMD?
1. Find the account balance from the previous December 31. 2. Find the applicable distribution period from the IRS life-expectancy table for your age and situation. 3. Divide the balance by that factor. A different table can apply when your spouse is the sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger.
Can I delay my first RMD until the following year?
You can generally delay the first RMD from an employer plan or IRA until April 1 of the year after reaching your applicable starting age, but that means taking two RMDs in that following year. The additional taxable income can affect your tax bracket and other income-based costs.
What happens if I do not take the full RMD?
An RMD shortfall can trigger an excise tax, though the rate can be reduced when the shortfall is corrected within the permitted period. The IRS instructions for Form 5329 explain how to report the tax and request a waiver when reasonable error caused the shortfall.