What is the bankruptcy means test?

The bankruptcy means test determines whether you qualify to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. It compares your average monthly income over the past 6 months to your state's median income. If you're below the median, you automatically qualify. If above, you must pass a second part examining disposable income.

How much debt do you need to file bankruptcy?

There is no minimum debt amount required to file bankruptcy. However, most bankruptcy attorneys recommend filing only when debt exceeds what you can realistically repay within 5 years, typically $10,000 or more.

How long does bankruptcy stay on your credit report?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on your credit report for 10 years from the filing date. Chapter 13 bankruptcy stays for 7 years. Both affect your ability to get new credit, but the impact diminishes over time as you rebuild.

What states does this calculator support?

BankruptcyByState.net supports bankruptcy means test calculations for all 50 states using current federal and state-specific median income figures.

All Free Bankruptcy Calculators — All 50 States, 2026 Guidelines

BankruptcyByState.net offers eight free bankruptcy calculators covering every major decision point in the bankruptcy process. All calculators use 2026 US Trustee Program income figures and current state statutes. No sign-up is required.

Each calculator is state-aware: median income thresholds, exemption amounts, and plan guidelines are loaded for your specific state. The calculators are designed for informational use to help you prepare for a bankruptcy attorney consultation — they are not legal advice and cannot replace professional guidance.

Available Calculators

Calculator	Primary Use	Key Data Used
Chapter 7 Means Test	Determine Chapter 7 eligibility	State median income, IRS expense standards
Exemption Calculator	Identify protected assets	State homestead, vehicle, wildcard limits
Chapter 13 Calculator	Estimate repayment plan	Disposable income, state median, debt amounts
Debt-to-Income Calculator	Assess bankruptcy appropriateness	Monthly income, total unsecured debt
Credit Recovery Timeline	Project credit score milestones	Filing chapter, current score, filing date
Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13	Compare filing options	Income, assets, arrears, goals
Discharge Timeline	Estimate discharge date and waiting periods	Chapter, prior filings, filing date
Non-Exempt Asset Calculator	Identify assets at risk in Chapter 7	State exemption limits, asset values

Select Your State

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these calculators really free?

Yes — completely free, with no account, credit card, or personal information required. The results are informational estimates to help you understand your situation before consulting a bankruptcy attorney.

How up-to-date is the data?

Median income figures are based on the 2026 US Trustee Program data (updated annually from Census Bureau ACS figures). State exemption amounts reflect current state statutes. IRS expense allowances used in the means test are updated quarterly by the Internal Revenue Service.

Can I use multiple calculators together?

Yes, and we recommend it. A typical workflow: (1) use the Means Test to check Chapter 7 eligibility, (2) use the Exemption Calculator to see if any assets are at risk, and (3) if you fail the means test, use the Chapter 13 Calculator to model a repayment plan. Our Chapter 7 vs. Chapter 13 tool can then compare both paths side by side.