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Credit utilization calculator

Credit utilization is your balance divided by your limit. Scoring models generally reward keeping it under about 30%, and lower is better.

Reviewed by Alex Thomas · Updated Oct 28, 2026

On a $500 limit with a $180 balance, your utilization is 36%. Pay down $30 to get under 30%, or $130 to get under 10%.

Card 1

Overall utilization

36%

Available credit$320
Pay this to get under 30%$30
Pay this to get under 10%$130
Pay this to get under 9%$135

Balances often report on your statement date, not when you pay. Paying a few days before the statement closes is how most people keep reported utilization low.

How much you can spend at common limits

Single-card ceilings at the 30% and 10% marks. Your own target may be lower.

LimitAt 30%At 10%
$300$90$30
$500$150$50
$1,000$300$100
$1,500$450$150
$2,000$600$200
$3,000$900$300
$5,000$1,500$500
$7,500$2,250$750
$10,000$3,000$1,000

Ask members who've been there

Questions

What is a good credit utilization ratio?
There is no official "good" number from the bureaus, but consumer educators and scoring companies often cite staying under about 30% of your limit, and closer to 10% or single digits when you can.
Does utilization include every card?
Scoring models look at both each card and your overall revolving utilization. A maxed-out card can hurt even when your total looks fine.
Does paying early lower my score?
No. Paying before the statement date usually lowers the balance that gets reported. Paying after the due date late is what damages a score.

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Sources

  1. CFPB — How to rebuild your creditconsumerfinance.gov
  2. myFICO — Credit utilizationmyfico.com

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