How does the multi-IRA estimate work?
An RMD is generally calculated for each account by dividing its prior December 31 balance by a life-expectancy factor from the applicable IRS table. For a 2026 estimate, enter each included account’s December 31, 2025 balance and your age on your birthday in 2026. The planner applies the same selected Uniform Lifetime Table (Table III) factor to each balance, displays each calculation, and adds the results. For example, the IRS Table III factor at age 75 is 24.6; each entered balance is divided by 24.6 before the estimates are summed.
What does IRA aggregation mean?
The IRS says an IRA owner must calculate the RMD separately for each IRA they own, but may take the total amount from one or more of those IRAs. This planner reflects that distinction: it keeps account-level calculations visible and shows a combined planning amount for the listed IRAs. The combined number is not a direction to withdraw from a particular custodian, and custodians may calculate account-specific amounts or adjustments.
This page is intentionally limited to your own traditional, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs. Do not combine inherited IRAs here. The IRS describes special grouping limits for inherited accounts, including limits tied to the same decedent. Roth IRAs owned by you are not included because owner lifetime RMD rules differ. Workplace accounts also do not belong in this combined figure: IRS guidance says 401(k) and 457(b) RMDs generally must be taken separately from each plan account. Separate rules apply to 403(b) contracts.
Which cases need another calculation?
Table III may not apply if your spouse is your sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger; the IRS identifies the Joint and Last Survivor Table for that case. Inherited accounts use different rules and may require a different table. The tool does not determine your required beginning date, first-year deadline, whether you must take an RMD, or how rollovers, annuity contracts, death during the year, outstanding transactions, or plan documents affect an account. Check the current IRS instructions and ask each custodian about its calculation.
For a single-account walkthrough, see the 2026 RMD calculator. This planning estimate is educational and is not tax, legal, or investment advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why calculate each IRA separately?
The IRS requires an individual calculation for each IRA. It generally permits the owner to take the total from one or more of their IRAs, within the rules that apply to those accounts.
Can I include a 401(k) balance?
No. This total is only for eligible owner-held IRAs. IRS guidance says 401(k) and 457(b) RMDs generally must be taken separately from each plan account.
Can I use it for inherited IRAs?
No. Inherited accounts have distinct table and aggregation rules, including rules based on the decedent. Use the applicable IRS guidance for each inherited account.
Does this determine whether I need to take a distribution?
No. It calculates from entered balances and a Table III factor. It does not determine account eligibility, starting age, beneficiary circumstances, exceptions, or deadlines.
Primary sources checked 2026-11-03: IRS Retirement Plan and IRA RMD FAQs, Questions 4–5 (separate calculations and permitted aggregation); IRS Publication 590-B (2025), Appendix B, Table III (2026 factor); and Instructions for Form 5329 (aggregation limitations, including inherited IRAs).