Judge's gavel beside a calculator, representing a chapter 7 means test calculator for bankruptcy eligibility.

Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator

Use this free chapter 7 means test calculator to estimate whether you may qualify for chapter 7 bankruptcy. It walks through the same core steps used in the means test process, in plain English.

Portrait of attorney Casey Yontz, bankruptcy lawyer
Written by Casey Yontz, JD, bankruptcy legal content editor
Legally reviewed by Benjamin Wright, Bankruptcy Attorney
Last reviewed on
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Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator

Estimate whether your household income is above or below your state’s median income for educational planning.

Chapter 7 Means Test Calculator logo

Educational estimate only. This Chapter 7 means test calculator is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and cannot account for every legal nuance. Attorney review may still be necessary.

Step 1: Initial Screening

If filing alone, household starts at 1. If filing jointly, household starts at 2. Add only additional dependents here.

Consumer debts are usually personal, family, or household debts.

Median-income dataset effective April 1, 2026. IRS/local standards preset date: Configurable - update with current IRS + USTP data. Presumption thresholds: $10,025 and $16,700 (60-month).

Before You Start

Having a few documents nearby can make your estimate more accurate.

  • • Income information for the last 6 full calendar months.
  • • Household size and state where you plan to file.
  • • Regular monthly expenses and debt payment details.
  • • Recent statements for secured debts, taxes, and priority claims.

What This Calculator Checks

  • • Whether your annualized income appears below your state median for household size.
  • • If above median, whether allowed deductions may reduce disposable income enough to pass.
  • • Whether the result suggests possible presumption-of-abuse risk.

How the Chapter 7 Means Test Works

The means test generally starts with your current monthly income, which is usually based on the average gross income received during the 6 full months before filing. That figure is compared to median income levels for your state and household size. If you are above median, additional deduction steps are used to estimate disposable income under the bankruptcy forms.

For a deeper legal walkthrough, visit our chapter 7 means test guide.

What Your Result Means

Below median

If your result is below median, you may be more likely to qualify for chapter 7, assuming other filing requirements are met.

Above median but may still pass

Being above median does not automatically disqualify you. The next steps evaluate standardized and actual allowable deductions.

Possible presumption issue

If your estimated disposable income is high enough, the result may suggest a presumption concern. That does not end your options, but it usually means you should review timing, deductions, and debt mix carefully.

What This Calculator Cannot Tell You

  • • It cannot give legal advice or guarantee court outcomes.
  • • It cannot classify every debt issue exactly like a trustee or judge.
  • • It cannot replace a full attorney review of exemptions, assets, and local practice.

Official Data Sources Used

Median income references are based on the U.S. Trustee means testing data. Means test form structure and definitions follow the official U.S. bankruptcy forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the chapter 7 means test based on gross or net income?

It is generally based on gross income received during the lookback period, not take-home pay.

What months are used for the chapter 7 means test?

The test usually uses the 6 full calendar months before the month you file.

Can I pass the means test if I am over the median income?

Yes. Many filers above median may still pass after allowable deductions are applied.

Does Social Security count in the chapter 7 means test?

In many cases, Social Security benefits are treated differently from most other income for means test purposes.

What happens if I do not pass the means test?

You may still have options, including reviewing deductions, filing timing, debt classification, or considering chapter 13.

Is this calculator legal advice?

No. It is an educational estimate tool only.

Can I print my results?

Yes. The calculator includes an option at the end to print or save your results as a PDF.

Where do the median income numbers come from?

They come from U.S. Trustee Program means testing tables, which are updated periodically.

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Educational disclaimer: US Bankruptcy Help is an educational publisher, not a law firm. This page provides general information, not legal advice.

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Browse our state guides to learn exemptions, means test rules, costs, and local procedures. Use these links to jump between states and compare your options.