Quick answer
Enter each card's balance and credit limit to see your utilization on each card and overall, plus how much you would need to pay down to reach a target such as 30%.
Credit utilization is one of the fastest-moving parts of your credit score. See where you stand and what it would take to get to your target.
The formula
Utilization = total card balances / total credit limits x 100
Worked example
| Card | Balance | Limit | Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card 1 | $1,200 | $5,000 | 24% |
| Card 2 | $800 | $2,000 | 40% |
| Card 3 | $0 | $3,000 | 0% |
| Total | $2,000 | $10,000 | 20% |
Overall utilization is 20%, but Card 2 is at 40%. Worked examples are arithmetic illustrations, not offers.
Why it matters
myFICO says amounts owed make up about 30% of a FICO score, and that utilization on revolving accounts is an important part. The CFPB notes experts advise staying at or below 30% of your total limit.
Quick ways to lower it
- Pay before your statement closes, since the statement balance is usually what gets reported.
- Pay down the cards with the highest utilization.
- Keep old cards open so their limits still count.
More in credit utilization ratio and how to raise your credit score fast.
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Examples are illustrations, not offers. Approval, APR and terms depend on the lender, your state and your credit profile.
Questions about credit utilization calculator: overall and per card
How do I calculate credit utilization?
Divide your total revolving balances by your total credit limits. $2,000 on $10,000 of limits is 20%.
What utilization should I aim for?
The CFPB says experts advise keeping your use of credit at no more than 30% of your total credit limit. Lower generally helps.
Which balance counts?
Usually the balance on your statement, which is what issuers typically report to the credit bureaus.
Does per-card utilization matter?
Overall utilization matters, and myFICO says FICO scores also consider how many accounts carry balances. Keeping individual cards low helps too.
Related calculators and guides
- Credit Utilization Ratio: What It Is and How to Lower It
- How to Raise Your Credit Score Fast: What Works in 30 Days
- What Affects Your Credit Score? The 5 FICO Factors
- Credit Card Payoff Calculator: How Long to Pay Off Your Card
- Bad credit loans
- Calculators
Sources
- myFICO: How owing money can impact your credit score (accessed 2026-10-09)
- CFPB: How do I get and keep a good credit score? (accessed 2026-10-09)
Last updated 2026-10-09. How we research and update pages.