Debt service coverage ratio Calculator

DSCR Calculator

Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Calculator

Calculate your ability to cover debt obligations with your operating income

Financial Information
DSCR Results
EBITDA
-
$
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation & Amortization
Total Debt Service
-
$
Principal + Interest + Lease Payments
Debt Service Coverage Ratio
-
ratio
EBITDA ÷ Total Debt Service

DSCR Risk Assessment

High Risk (<1.0)
Moderate (1.0-1.25)
Low Risk (>1.25)
Calculation Breakdown
Component Calculation Amount

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 Interpretation

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=Net Operating Income (NOI)Total Debt Service
  • 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

DSCR Calculator automates the computation of this ratio by requiring key financial inputs:

Inputs Needed:

  1. Net Operating Income (NOI)

    • Total revenue minus operating expenses (excluding taxes and interest).

    • Formula:

      NOI=Gross IncomeOperating Expenses
  2. 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:

ParameterAmount ($)
Gross Annual Income$500,000
Operating Expenses$200,000
Annual Debt Payments$180,000
  1. Calculate NOI:

    NOI=$500,000$200,000=$300,000
  2. Compute DSCR:

    DSCR=$300,000$180,000=1.67

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).