Credit Utilization Calculator
See how much of your available revolving credit you are using and how a payment changes the ratio. FCAC recommends trying to use less than 30% of your total credit limit.
Enter your balances and limits
This is a math tool, not a prediction of a credit score. Credit bureaus and lenders consider many factors besides utilization.
Quick utilization references
Open a scenario to see exact 10%, 20% and 30% balances for a common limit.
Utilization on a $500 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →$1,000 limitUtilization on a $1,000 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →$1,500 limitUtilization on a $1,500 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →$2,000 limitUtilization on a $2,000 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →$3,000 limitUtilization on a $3,000 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →$5,000 limitUtilization on a $5,000 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →$7,500 limitUtilization on a $7,500 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →$10,000 limitUtilization on a $10,000 limit
See benchmark balances and calculate the payment needed to reach a target.
Open scenario →What credit utilization means
Credit utilization is the share of your available revolving credit that is currently used. If you have $1,000 in balances across $5,000 of total card limits, your aggregate utilization is 20%.
The calculator uses the balances and limits you enter across two cards, totals them, and shows the payment that would reduce the aggregate ratio to your selected target.
Why newcomers may care about it
A newcomer can start with a relatively small credit limit. Normal purchases can therefore create a high utilization percentage quickly even when the dollar balance is modest. Monitoring the ratio can help you understand how much of your available revolving credit is being used.
Do you need to carry a balance to build credit?
No. Paying interest is not required simply to show account activity. The practical priorities are making payments on time, keeping borrowing manageable and understanding how much available credit you are using.
Official Canadian guidance
FCAC — improving your credit score →
Related tools and research
2026 Credit Utilization Reference →
Secured Credit Card Deposit Calculator →
Credit Cards for Newcomers →
Cards With No Canadian Credit History →