How Much of Your Credit Limit Are You Using? A Simple Check

By DocTA Dwight, founder of DueSmart · Updated October 29, 2026

The short answerDivide the balance by the limit and multiply by 100. A $450 balance on a $1,500 limit is 30% used. A common rule of thumb is to keep each card, and all your cards together, under 30%, and lower is better.

The one-line math

Balance ÷ limit × 100 = percent used. This is often called credit utilization.

Check each card and the total

Look at each card on its own, and at all your cards added together. Here is a made-up example:

Card	Balance	Limit	Used
Blue Visa	$900	$1,500	60%
Store card	$120	$1,000	12%
All cards	$1,020	$2,500	41%

What the numbers mean

Under 30%: a common target.
30% to 50%: worth bringing down when you can.
Over 50%: the card to work on first.

How much to pay to get under 30%

Multiply the limit by 0.30. That is the 30% line. Anything above it is what to pay down. For the Blue Visa above: $1,500 × 0.30 = $450, so paying $450 brings it under 30%.

No one can promise a score change. Lower balances and on-time payments are the habits that matter most.

Check every card at once

Type your balances and limits. See the percent for each card, the total, and what to pay to get under 30%.

Check my cards free

Common questions

Should I close a card I paid off?

Closing a card lowers your total limit, which can raise the percent you use on your other cards. Think it over before closing an older card with no yearly fee.

Is 0% used the best?

Using a little and paying it off is fine. The main goal is to keep balances low and pay on time.