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How much SBA loan can you get?

SBA lenders size your loan on cash flow, not a fixed multiple. Estimate the largest loan your business can support at a healthy debt service coverage ratio.

Estimated max loan
$637,250
at 9.75% over 10 years
Max new monthly payment
$8,333
keeps you at 1.25 DSCR
Annual debt capacity
$100,000
new SBA debt service

Lenders size SBA loans on your debt service coverage ratio (DSCR): your cash flow divided by total loan payments. They typically want at least 1.15 to 1.25. This takes your cash flow available for debt, applies your target DSCR, subtracts existing payments, and solves for the largest loan that fits. It is an estimate; lenders use their own adjustments and a global cash-flow analysis.
An estimate, not an approval. Lenders run a fuller analysis (a global cash-flow review that includes your personal finances, add-backs, and their own DSCR floor), so your real number will differ. The rate is pre-filled from today's prime rate (6.75%) plus a typical 7(a) spread. See SBA loan requirements and who qualifies. SBA Loan Index is not a lender or financial advisor.

How much SBA loan can you get: common questions

How much SBA loan can I get?

Lenders size SBA loans on your cash flow, not a fixed multiple. They look at your debt service coverage ratio (DSCR), cash flow divided by total loan payments, and usually want at least 1.15 to 1.25. The largest loan is the one whose payment keeps you above that ratio after your existing debt.

What is a debt service coverage ratio (DSCR)?

DSCR is your annual cash flow available for debt divided by your total annual loan payments. A 1.25 DSCR means your cash flow is 1.25x your payments, a 25% cushion. Most SBA lenders look for 1.15 to 1.25 or higher.

Does the SBA set a maximum loan amount?

Yes, the 7(a) program caps at $5 million and the 504 program at $5 to $5.5 million per project. But most borrowers are limited by their cash flow well before the program cap.

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