SBA 7a Loan
How SBA 7(a) loans work, the maximum loan and guaranty, the rate caps by loan size, terms, and a payment calculator.
SBA 7a loan payment calculator
SBA 7a loan basics
The 7(a) program is the SBA's main loan guarantee: a bank or other lender makes the loan and the SBA guarantees part of it, so lenders can approve businesses they otherwise might not. The maximum loan is $5 million. The SBA guarantees 85% of loans up to $150,000 and 75% of larger loans. Uses include working capital, equipment, buying a business, refinancing and real estate.
Rates and terms
Rates are negotiated but can't exceed SBA maximums over the base rate (usually prime): prime + 6.5% for $50,000 or less, + 6.0% for $50,001–$250,000, + 4.5% for $250,001–$350,000 and + 3.0% above $350,000 (variable rates). Terms run up to 10 years for most uses and 25 years for real estate. Expect an SBA guaranty fee, a personal guarantee from 20%+ owners, and collateral where available. Loans up to $350,000 are "7(a) small"; larger ones are standard 7(a).
Compare with a conventional business loan using the loan calculator.
Common questions
What is the maximum SBA 7(a) loan?
$5 million.
What is the maximum interest rate on an SBA 7(a) loan?
For variable rates, prime + 6.5% up to $50,000, + 6.0% to $250,000, + 4.5% to $350,000 and + 3.0% above.
How much does the SBA guarantee?
85% of loans up to $150,000 and 75% of larger loans.
Sources
More loan and car calculators: Do Medical Bills Affect Your Credit · Parent PLUS Loan · Student Loan Interest Deduction · Subsidized Loan 2026-27
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General information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check important numbers with the official source before acting on them.