How to Calculate Debt Service Coverage
What is Debt Service Coverage?
Calculates debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) showing ability to pay debt from income. Lender requirement metric.
Formula
DSCR = NOI ÷ Total Annual Debt Service
- NOI
- NOI value — Variable used in the calculation
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1DSCR = NOI ÷ Total Annual Debt Service
- 2Total Debt Service = principal + interest on all loans
- 3Typical lender requirement: 1.2-1.3× minimum
- 4Higher = safer for lender, more cushion for owner
Worked Examples
Input
NOI $50k, debt $30k
Result
DSCR 1.67
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Using gross income instead of NOI
- ✕Not including all debt in debt service
- ✕Assuming DSCR remains static
Frequently Asked Questions
What DSCR do lenders require?
Minimum typically 1.2× (20% cushion); 1.25-1.5× for quality deals; <1.0 means insufficient income.
What happens if DSCR < 1.0?
Property cannot cover debt payments from income; owner must subsidize; high default risk.
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