Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Calculator for 2026

Calculate your Debt Service Coverage Ratio from net operating income and debt payments to see if you meet typical lender minimums.

Mathematical Audit

How DSCR Is Calculated

DSCR divides your net operating income by your total annual debt payments, showing how many times over your income covers what you owe.

Total Annual Debt Service = Annual Principal Payments + Annual Interest Payments + Additional Existing Debt Service
DSCR = Annual Net Operating Income ÷ Total Annual Debt Service
Excess Cash Flow = Annual Net Operating Income − Total Annual Debt Service

Most commercial banks and SBA lenders require a minimum DSCR of 1.25x as a loan covenant. Lenders strongly prefer 1.5x–2.5x or higher for a larger safety cushion, while a DSCR below 1.0x means income doesn't cover debt payments and the loan will typically be declined.

Operational Guide

How to Use the DSCR Calculator

1

Enter Annual Net Operating Income

Operating income after operating expenses but before debt payments — or EBITDA minus cash taxes for a corporate borrower.

2

Enter Annual Principal & Interest Payments

The scheduled principal and interest on the loan you're evaluating.

3

Enter any additional existing debt service

Include payments on other outstanding loans the lender will count against your income.

4

Set your Lender's Minimum DSCR

Usually 1.25x, though it can range higher for riskier property or business types.

5

Review your DSCR

See your coverage ratio, excess cash flow, and whether you meet the lender's minimum.

Real-World Scenario Example

"A business generates $150,000 in annual NOI and has $60,000 in principal plus $40,000 in interest payments on a proposed loan."

Inputs

annualNoi:150000
annualPrincipalPayments:60000
annualInterestPayments:40000
additionalAnnualDebtService:0
lenderMinDscr:1.25

Result

Total Annual Debt Service = $100,000, DSCR = 1.5x, Excess Cash Flow = $50,000 — comfortably above the 1.25x lender minimum.

Important Disclaimer

This calculator provides an estimate only. Actual lender DSCR requirements and calculation methods (including how NOI is defined) vary by lender, loan program, and property or business type — confirm exact underwriting criteria with your lender.