If you’re considering an SBA loan to grow your business, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is: “How much can I borrow?” The answer depends on several factors — including your revenue, credit score, collateral, and business plan.
The good news is that you don’t need to guess. With an SBA loan calculator, you can estimate how much funding you might qualify for, what your monthly payments will look like, and how much the loan will cost you over time — before you even apply.
This guide explains how SBA loan amounts are determined, how to use a calculator effectively, and what factors lenders consider when deciding how much you can borrow.
An SBA loan calculator is a powerful tool for small business owners. It helps you:
Estimate loan eligibility: Get a ballpark figure of how much you can borrow.
Plan cash flow: See how monthly payments will affect your budget.
Compare loan options: Adjust terms and amounts to find the best fit.
Avoid surprises: Understand total interest costs before committing.
Even if you’re months away from applying, using a calculator early can guide your funding strategy and ensure you borrow the right amount.
While SBA loan limits go up to $5 million for most programs, the actual amount you qualify for depends on several key factors:
Business revenue: Lenders want to see enough income to support repayment.
Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR): A DSCR of 1.25+ is typically required.
Credit score: Strong personal and business credit improves approval odds and potential loan size.
Collateral and assets: These can increase your borrowing capacity.
Time in business: More established businesses often qualify for larger loans.
Use of funds: Larger loans are more likely for expansions or acquisitions than for working capital.
Here’s how much you can borrow under different SBA programs:
SBA 7(a) Loan: Up to $5 million (general business use)
SBA 504 Loan: Up to $5.5 million (real estate or equipment)
SBA Microloan: Up to $50,000 (startups, small projects)
SBA Export Loans: Up to $5 million (export-related businesses)
Choose your repayment term (e.g., 10 or 25 years)
Input the estimated interest rate
Review monthly payment and total interest
Adjust inputs to match your budget and goals
Let’s say you’re considering a $500,000 SBA 7(a) loan at a 7% interest rate over 10 years.
Monthly payment: ~$5,800
Total interest paid: ~$196,000
Total cost of loan: ~$696,000
This estimate helps you understand your repayment obligations before you commit — and ensures the loan fits your budget.
If the amount you’re eligible for isn’t enough, you can improve your borrowing capacity by:
Improving your credit: A score above 680 can significantly boost loan size.
Strengthening cash flow: Pay down existing debt and increase revenue.
Offering collateral: Real estate, equipment, or accounts receivable can support larger loans.
Writing a strong business plan: Clearly show how the funds will generate growth.
Applying with a co-borrower: A partner with strong credit or financials can increase loan limits.
❌ Only considering the maximum loan amount: Just because the SBA allows up to $5 million doesn’t mean you’ll qualify.
❌ Ignoring DSCR requirements: Even profitable businesses can be denied if cash flow doesn’t support repayment.
❌ Overestimating growth: Lenders prefer realistic projections based on historical performance.
❌ Not comparing scenarios: Small adjustments to term length or loan amount can dramatically change your monthly payment.
In addition to online SBA loan calculators, you can:
Talk to an SBA lender: They can provide a prequalification estimate based on your financials.
Use DSCR calculators: These help you see if your income supports the loan size you want.
Work with a financial advisor: They can help you structure financing to maximize borrowing power.
An SBA loan can be a game-changer for your business — but knowing how much you can realistically borrow is the first step. By using an SBA loan calculator, you can estimate your loan size, understand monthly payments, and prepare your business for a successful application.
Whether you’re planning an expansion, launching a new product, or purchasing real estate, smart planning ensures you get the right amount of funding — without overextending your business.