About the Bankruptcy Means Test Calculator
This bankruptcy means test calculator walks through the two steps of the US Chapter 7 means test (Official Forms 122A-1 and 122A-2). First, your “current monthly income” — the average of all household income over the six full months before filing — is annualized and compared with the median income for a household of your size in your state. If you are at or below the median, you pass.
If you are above the median, the test subtracts allowed monthly expenses (IRS national and local standards, secured debt payments, priority debts and other permitted deductions) to find your monthly disposable income, then multiplies it by 60. A presumption of abuse arises if that 60-month figure reaches the upper threshold, or reaches the lower threshold and at least 25% of your non-priority unsecured debt. Thresholds here are the amounts in effect from April 1, 2025; they are adjusted every three years.
Look up your state median on the US Trustee Program’s means testing page — it changes periodically and depends on household size. Allowed expenses need the detailed worksheet, so enter your best estimate of the total. This is a screening estimate for planning, not legal advice; a bankruptcy attorney can review special circumstances and exemptions.
How to use the bankruptcy means test calculator
- 1Average your household’s gross income over the last six full months.
- 2Look up the median income for your state and household size and enter it.
- 3If you are above the median, estimate your allowed monthly expenses from Form 122A-2.
- 4Enter your non-priority unsecured debt total.
- 5Read the result and discuss borderline cases with a bankruptcy attorney.
Formula and method
Current monthly income (CMI) is the average of gross household income over the six calendar months before filing. Multiplied by 12, it is compared with the census-based median income for your state and household size published by the US Trustee Program. At or below the median, the test ends and you qualify for Chapter 7 without further calculation.
Above the median, allowed deductions are subtracted to get monthly disposable income, which is multiplied by 60 months. Under 11 U.S.C. § 707(b)(2), abuse is presumed if that amount is at least the upper threshold, or at least the lower threshold and 25% of non-priority unsecured debt. The thresholds used by default ($10,275 and $17,150) apply to cases filed on or after April 1, 2025.
- CMI
- Current monthly income (6-month average)
- DI
- Monthly disposable income after allowed deductions
- L, U
- Lower and upper 60-month thresholds
Worked examples
Above median, but little disposable income
Income of $7,000 a month annualizes to $84,000, which is $6,000 above the $78,000 median, so step 2 applies. After $6,850 of allowed expenses, disposable income is $150 a month, or $9,000 over 60 months — under the $10,275 lower threshold, so there is no presumption of abuse.
Below the state median
Income of $6,000 a month is $72,000 a year, below the $78,000 median for this household, so the filer passes the means test at step 1 and does not need to complete the expense deductions.
High disposable income
At $90,000 a year the filer is above the median. Disposable income is $600 a month, or $36,000 over 60 months, which exceeds the $17,150 upper threshold, so abuse is presumed and Chapter 13 is the likely route.
Between the thresholds with large unsecured debt
Disposable income of $200 a month gives $12,000 over 60 months — between $10,275 and $17,150. Because that is less than 25% of the $60,000 unsecured debt ($15,000), no presumption of abuse arises.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bankruptcy means test?+
It is a test created by the 2005 bankruptcy reform law (BAPCPA) that decides whether you can file Chapter 7. It compares your average income with your state median and, if you are above it, checks whether you have enough disposable income to repay creditors under Chapter 13.
What income counts for the means test?+
Current monthly income is the average of gross income from almost all sources during the six full calendar months before filing — wages, business income, rent, pensions, unemployment and regular contributions from others. Social Security benefits are excluded.
What if I fail the means test?+
A presumption of abuse can usually be rebutted only by special circumstances such as a serious medical condition or active military duty. Otherwise most filers who fail choose Chapter 13, repaying part of their debts through a three- to five-year plan.
Where can I find the state median income?+
The US Trustee Program publishes median family income tables by state and household size on its means testing page at justice.gov/ust. Use the table in effect on your filing date, as the figures are updated periodically.
Do disabled veterans have to take the means test?+
Disabled veterans whose debts were incurred mainly during active duty or homeland defense activity, and filers whose debts are primarily business rather than consumer debts, are exempt from the means test.
Results are general estimates and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction — consult a qualified attorney.