Balance-to-Limit Ratio Calculator View Calculator Use this calculator to figure your balance-to-limit ratio or what percentage of your available credit card debt you are actually using. A low balance-to-limit ratio indicates you use your available credit wisely, which is important to lenders and plays a significant part in credit risk scores. In general, it is better to leave credit card accounts open if you have zero balances than it is to close them, especially if there is no negative activity associated with the account. That's because for each zero balance credit card account you close, your balance-to-limit ratio goes up, and it suddenly looks like you may be overusing your credit. Unused credit results in a lower balance-to-limit ratio. Learn more about putting this calculator or other calculators on your website.