Retirement tax questions

you  really want the custodian to do the calculation for you and send you the money.

Problem one, the earnings change from day to day.

Problem two, taking out more beyond the earnings would be an early withdrawal subject to penalty tax.

Problem three the calculation is complex and you'd likely make an error.

Problem four, you'd get the wrong 1099 distribution code and have to explain to the IRS what you did.