Credit Utilization Calculator

Credit utilization is the one credit score factor you can move in a single billing cycle, which makes it the most actionable number in personal finance.

Total balancesSum of balances across credit cards and lines of credit only, as reported on your statements.Total credit limitsSum of the limits on those same accounts. Closed accounts no longer count.

Credit utilization

35.00%

Total balances: $3,500.00
Total credit limits: $10,000.00
Available credit: $6,500.00

Values update as you type. This calculator covers the single scenario its formula assumes — see Common Mistakes for what it leaves out.

The formula this calculator uses

utilization = total balances / total credit limits

U: Credit utilization, as a percentage
B: Total balances across all revolving accounts
L: Total credit limits across the same accounts

How to check the result by hand

1
List every revolving account
Credit cards and lines of credit, but not mortgages or car loans. Instalment debt is measured separately and does not belong in this ratio.
2
Add up the balances
Use the balance that appears on your most recent statement, since that is the figure reported to the credit bureaux.
3
Add up the credit limits
The maximum you could borrow on each account. Closed accounts no longer contribute, which is why closing a card raises your utilization.
4
Divide balances by limits
Three thousand five hundred over ten thousand is 0.35. Multiply by a hundred for the thirty five percent the scoring model sees.
5
Decide what to change
Either reduce the balances, spread them across more cards, or raise the limits. Paying before the statement closes lowers the reported figure without changing your spending.

For worked examples, common mistakes and the limits of this formula, read the full How To Calculate Credit Utilization page.