How do I calculate my required minimum distribution from an IRA?

To calculate your RMD from an IRA, you'll need to know the account balance at the end of the previous year, and you'll need the appropriate IRS life expectancy table (most people use the Uniform Lifetime Table). By dividing the year-end account balance by the appropriate life expectancy factor, you can determine your RMD for the year.

What are the rules for an IRA RMD withdrawal?

If you have a traditional IRA, you are required to start taking withdrawals when you turn 73. Roth-style IRA accounts are not subject to the same requirement. Your first required minimum distribution (RMD) must be taken by April 1 of the year after you turn 73., and subsequent RMDs must be taken by December 31 of each year.

What is the mandatory RMD age for an IRA?

If you have a traditional (tax-deferred) IRA, you are required to start taking withdrawals when you turn 73. Specifically, your first required minimum distribution (RMD) must be taken by April 1 of the year after you turn 73.

Can I take my RMD from any of my IRA accounts?

Yes, if you have more than one traditional IRA, you can take your RMDs from one or multiple accounts, as long as the total withdrawals add up to your required distribution. However, other account types like 401(k)s are treated individually for RMD purposes.

IRA Required Minimum Distributions (RMD)

How much do you need to take out of your IRA this year? Here's what you need to know.

By Matthew Frankel, CFP – Updated Feb 5, 2026 at 2:26 PM EST | Fact-checked by Parker Hicks

Key Points

Starting at age 73, you must take RMDs from traditional IRAs to avoid IRS penalties.
Calculate your RMD by dividing the IRA balance by IRS life expectancy factors.
Withdraw RMDs by Dec. 31 yearly; failing to do so results in a 25% IRS penalty.

If you have savings in a traditional IRA, you're required to start taking withdrawals, known as required minimum distributions, or RMDs, after you reach 73 years of age.

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rmds-for-iras-infographic — Image source: The Motley Fool

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In other words, while IRAs let you save and invest for retirement on a tax-deferred basis, the IRS doesn't just let you defer paying tax on your retirement savings indefinitely -- eventually it wants to get paid. Here's how RMD rules work, and how to calculate your RMD each year.

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Using your account value -- which is defined as the value of your account at the end of the previous calendar year -- divide by your distribution period to determine your RMD. For example, if you have $500,000 in your traditional IRA at the end of 2025, and you're turning 75 years old in 2026, the Uniform Lifetime Table gives an expected distribution period of 24.6 years. Dividing your account's balance by this number shows a 2026 RMD of $20,325.

For a quick reference, here are the current life expectancy factors from the Uniform Lifetime Table for retirees age 72 through 92.

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Data source: IRS.

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Roth IRAs

Want to get tax-free distributions in retirement? A Roth IRA may be right for you.

IRA Basics

Under the umbrella of individual retirement accounts, there are many options.

How Does an IRA Work?

All IRAs aren't created equal. Here's the nitty-gritty.

What Is a Mega Backdoor Roth IRA?

This workaround can help high earners get past Roth IRA income limits.

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IRA RMD Frequently Asked Questions

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About the Author

Matt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst and personal finance expert covering financial stocks, REITs, SPACs, and personal finance. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his financial, stock market, and investing expertise.

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