RMD at age 97: divide by 7.8
At 97, the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table figure is 7.8. Divide your IRA balance at the end of last year by 7.8 to get this year's required minimum distribution. That is about 12.82% of the balance.
| Balance on December 31 last year | RMD at 97 | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $6,410 | $534 |
| $100,000 | $12,821 | $1,068 |
| $250,000 | $32,051 | $2,671 |
| $500,000 | $64,103 | $5,342 |
| $750,000 | $96,154 | $8,013 |
| $1,000,000 | $128,205 | $10,684 |
| $2,000,000 | $256,410 | $21,368 |
For your exact balance, use the RMD calculator.
How 97 compares with the years around it
At 96 the figure was 8.4. At 98 it will be 7.3, so the required share rises to about 13.70%. The figure falls every year, which is why the share you must take out keeps growing with age.
If your spouse is more than 10 years younger
When your spouse is the sole beneficiary and more than 10 years younger, the IRS uses its joint life table (Table II) instead, and the figure is larger, so the required amount is smaller. At 97:
- Spouse aged 86: divide by 8.3, about 12.05% of the balance.
- Spouse aged 82: divide by 10.4, about 9.62% of the balance.
- Spouse aged 77: divide by 13.6, about 7.35% of the balance.
The rest of the rules
Each year after the first, the distribution is due by December 31. If you have more than one traditional IRA, work out the amount for each one; you can then take the total from any one or more of them. Taking extra one year gives no credit toward the next. A qualified charitable distribution counts toward the amount. See the RMD rules and giving from an IRA.
Check our work
Every figure on this page was read from these official documents. Follow the links and compare.
- Publication 590-B, Distributions from Individual Retirement ArrangementsInternal Revenue Service. Read on November 12, 2026.