Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Calculator
Calculate your ability to cover debt obligations with your operating income
DSCR Risk Assessment
Component | Calculation | Amount |
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About DSCR
The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) measures a company's ability to cover its debt obligations with its operating income.
Formula: DSCR = EBITDA ÷ (Principal + Interest + Lease Payments)
EBITDA: Net Income + Interest + Taxes + Depreciation + Amortization
DSCR Guidelines
Commercial Loans: Typically require DSCR ≥ 1.20
Real Estate: Often requires DSCR ≥ 1.25
Risk Threshold: DSCR < 1.0 indicates cash flow problems
Strong Position: DSCR > 1.5 is considered healthy
DSCR > 1.0: The company generates sufficient income to cover its debt obligations.
DSCR < 1.0: The company does not generate enough income to cover its debt payments.
DSCR = 1.0: The company's income exactly covers its debt payments with no margin.
Lenders typically look for a DSCR of at least 1.2-1.4 to ensure a buffer for unexpected expenses or revenue fluctuations.
1. What is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)?
The Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) is a financial metric used to assess a company's or individual's ability to repay their debt obligations. It compares the Net Operating Income (NOI) to the total debt service (principal + interest payments) due within a given period.
Formula:
DSCR > 1.0: Indicates sufficient income to cover debt payments.
DSCR = 1.0: Income exactly covers debt obligations (break-even).
DSCR < 1.0: Indicates insufficient income to cover debt (financial risk).
2. Components of a DSCR Calculator
A DSCR Calculator automates the computation of this ratio by requiring key financial inputs:
Inputs Needed:
Net Operating Income (NOI)
Total revenue minus operating expenses (excluding taxes and interest).
Formula:
Total Debt Service
Sum of all principal + interest payments due in a period.
Includes:
Loan repayments
Lease payments
Other debt obligations
3. How to Use a DSCR Calculator
Step-by-Step Calculation Example:
Parameter | Amount ($) |
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Gross Annual Income | $500,000 |
Operating Expenses | $200,000 |
Annual Debt Payments | $180,000 |
Calculate NOI:
Compute DSCR:
Interpretation:
A DSCR of 1.67 means the business generates 1.67 times the income needed to cover its debt, indicating strong financial health.
4. Importance of DSCR
Lenders & Investors use DSCR to evaluate loan eligibility.
Business Owners assess their ability to take on additional debt.
Real Estate Investors analyze property cash flow sustainability.
Industry Standards:
Commercial Loans: Typically require DSCR ≥ 1.25.
Real Estate: Lenders prefer DSCR ≥ 1.2–1.4.
Riskier Loans: May demand DSCR ≥ 1.5 or higher.
5. Limitations of DSCR
Does Not Account for Variable Income (seasonal businesses).
Excludes Non-Operating Income (e.g., one-time gains).
Sensitive to Accounting Methods (NOI calculation variations).
6. Automated DSCR Calculators
Many online tools and Excel templates simplify DSCR calculations. Features include:
Customizable inputs (monthly/quarterly/annual).
Graphical representations of debt coverage.
Scenario analysis (impact of income changes on DSCR).