SBA loan calculator: 7(a) and 504

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SBA loans are some of the cheapest money a small business can get, and the slowest. I built this so you can see the monthly payment, the interest and the SBA guarantee fee before you start the paperwork. Pick 7(a) or 504, enter your numbers, and I'll do the math.

Your numbers

Loan amount ($)7(a) goes up to $5 million. Rate type Interest rate (%)Use the rate on your quote if you have one. CDC portion rate (%)The CDC sets this when the debenture sells. Term (years)10 for most uses. Up to 25 for real estate. Prime rate (%)WSJ prime was 7.00% on Nov 6, 2026. Change it if it moves. Your own guarantee fee (%, optional)Percent of the guaranteed part.

Manufacturer, food supply chain or rural businessSBA waives the 7(a) upfront fee for these on loans of $700,000 or less this fiscal year.

Illustrative estimate, not an offer. Your lender sets the actual rate, term and fees.

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SBA rules I used (checked Nov 9, 2026)

7(a) variable rate caps: prime plus 6.5% up to $50,000, plus 6.0% to $250,000, plus 4.5% to $350,000, plus 3.0% above that.
7(a) fixed rate caps: prime plus 8% up to $25,000, plus 7% to $50,000, plus 6% to $250,000, plus 5% above that.
7(a) guarantee: SBA backs up to 85% of loans of $150,000 or less and 75% above that, capped at $3.75 million.
7(a) upfront fee for loans over 12 months, with SBA loan numbers from Oct 1, 2026 to Sep 30, 2027: 2% of the guaranteed part up to $150,000, 3% to $700,000, then 3.5% of the guaranteed part up to $1 million plus 3.75% above it. Lenders can pass it to you.
504: a bank lends about 50% of the project, a CDC up to 40% and you put in at least 10%. Fixed rate on the CDC part. 10 years for equipment, 25 for real estate.
504 fees this fiscal year: 0.50% upfront on the CDC part and 0.203% a year on its balance. Both are waived for manufacturers, food supply chain and rural businesses.

Sources: SBA.gov, 7(a) terms, conditions and eligibility, SBA Information Notices 5000-881797 (7(a) fees FY 2027) and 5000-881796 (504 fees FY 2027), and 87 FR 46883 (fixed rate caps).

Questions owners ask

What's the difference between 7(a) and 504?

7(a) covers almost anything: working capital, equipment, buying a business, real estate. 504 is for big fixed assets like a building or heavy equipment, with a fixed rate on the CDC part and as little as 10% down.

What is the SBA guarantee fee?

A one time fee SBA charges the lender on the guaranteed part of a 7(a) loan. Most lenders pass it to you, often rolled into the loan. This calculator shows it separately so you can see it.

What are SBA rates right now?

Your lender sets the rate, but it can't go over SBA's cap: prime plus 3% to 8%, based on loan size and whether it's fixed or variable. I show the cap next to your rate.

How long can an SBA loan run?

7(a) is usually up to 10 years, or up to 25 for real estate. 504 runs 10 years for equipment and 25 for real estate.

How much do I need down on a 504?

Usually 10% of the project. A newer business or a special purpose building can need 15% to 20%.

Will my real offer match this?

Maybe not. This is an estimate. Your lender sets the rate, term and fees, and closing costs aren't counted here.

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