What is a required minimum distribution?
An RMD is an annual minimum withdrawal that applies to certain retirement accounts under U.S. tax rules. This tool estimates the 2026 amount for your own traditional IRA when the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table applies. The Retirement Calculator can help model how future withdrawals fit into a broader savings plan.
How to calculate your 2026 IRA RMD
Confirm that Table III applies. Enter your age at the end of 2026 and the account balance used for the calculation at December 31, 2025. Optionally enter withdrawals already credited to your 2026 requirement.
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For optional record keeping, browse statement organizers (paid link). Keep year-end balances and withdrawal records together.
Formula and IRS life-expectancy factor
Divide the prior year-end balance by the Table III distribution period for your age. For age 73, that factor is 26.5. Age 120 and up uses 2.0. The calculator rounds up to cents when the quotient falls between cents.
For an optional practice or checking aid, browse desktop calculators (paid link). Check a division using the same IRS divisor.
How to read the withdrawal progress ring
The ring compares the portion covered by credited withdrawals with the amount still due. Any amount above the estimate is shown separately. For a zero required amount, the chart has no progress percentage.
If you are setting up a practice or review session, browse retirement planning workbooks (paid link). Compare the publication year before using an example.
Worked example for age 73
A $34,800 year-end balance divided by 26.5 gives an estimated $1,313.21 after rounding up to cents. If $500 has already been credited to 2026, the tool shows $813.21 remaining.
For optional equipment or reference material, browse financial ledger books (paid link). Log distributions and dates by account.
Eligibility and limitations
Inherited IRAs, Roth IRAs and workplace plans are outside this calculator’s scope. A spouse who is more than 10 years younger and is the sole beneficiary generally requires the Joint and Last Survivor Table. Check first-year deadlines, adjusted balances, aggregation and which withdrawals count with your custodian or tax professional.
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Calculator FAQs
It uses Table III, the Uniform Lifetime Table, for the scope shown on the page.
Use the December 31, 2025 balance applicable to the 2026 distribution, with any adjustments confirmed by your custodian.
This calculator covers an account owner’s traditional IRA using Table III.
Sources and methodology
Source information retrieved or reviewed on 8 November 2026. Independent implementation; linked organizations do not endorse this calculator. Defined snapshots and limitations are explained above.