Will and Estate Distribution Calculator
When an estate is settled, the gross value of all assets is reduced by outstanding debts, funeral costs, probate fees, attorney fees, and applicable taxes before the remainder is distributed to beneficiaries. This calculator lets you enter the gross estate value, total liabilities and costs, and up to four beneficiary percentage shares to estimate what each beneficiary receives. Percentages must total 100%. All figures are estimates and do not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult an estate attorney and a tax professional for your specific situation.
Estate distribution formula
Net Estate = Gross Estate - Debts - Admin Costs - Estate Tax
Beneficiary Share = Net Estate * (Beneficiary Percentage / 100)
The net distributable estate is what remains after all liabilities, administrative costs, and taxes are paid. This amount is then divided among beneficiaries in proportion to their designated shares. If shares do not total 100%, the unallocated remainder stays in the estate.
Estate settlement order of priority
- Secured debts (mortgages, car loans) are satisfied first, often by selling the secured assets.
- Funeral and burial expenses are typically paid before other unsecured debts.
- Administrative costs (probate court fees, executor compensation, attorney fees) are paid from the estate.
- Remaining unsecured debts (credit cards, medical bills) are paid next.
- Federal and state estate or inheritance taxes, if applicable, are then paid.
- The remaining net estate is distributed to beneficiaries per the will or intestacy laws.
Estate distribution calculator: frequently asked questions
What is estate distribution?
Estate distribution is the process of dividing a deceased person's assets among their heirs and beneficiaries after paying debts, taxes, and administrative costs. The net estate (gross assets minus liabilities and costs) is divided according to the will or, if there is no will, under state intestacy laws.
What is the federal estate tax threshold?
For 2024, the federal estate tax exemption is $13.61 million per individual (indexed for inflation). Estates below this threshold owe no federal estate tax. The top federal estate tax rate is 40%. Many states also have their own estate or inheritance taxes with lower exemption thresholds.
What costs reduce an estate before distribution?
Common costs include outstanding debts and loans, funeral and burial expenses, probate court fees and attorney fees, executor fees, property appraisal costs, and any estate or inheritance taxes owed.
What happens if there is no will?
When someone dies without a will (intestate), their estate is distributed according to the state's intestacy laws, which typically prioritize a surviving spouse, children, parents, and then more distant relatives. Each state has its own intestacy rules.
Can beneficiary shares be anything I choose?
You can generally leave assets to anyone in any proportion in a will. However, some states have laws protecting a surviving spouse's right to a minimum share (called the elective share or forced share). Children and other family members generally do not have a legal right to inherit unless the will or intestacy laws provide for it.
Official sources
- IRS, Estate Tax: IRS Estate Tax overview.
- IRS, Estate and Gift Tax Exemptions: Instructions for Form 706.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.