SBA loan basics
Short answer
The SBA guarantees up to 85% for loans under $150,000 and up to 75% for loans over $150,000, with a maximum guaranteed amount of $3.75 million.
The SBA's guaranty percentage varies by loan size to balance risk and incentive for lenders. For most 7(a) loans, the typical guarantee is 75% for loans exceeding $150,000. This percentage applies to the principal loan amount.
A business secures a $100,000 SBA 7(a) loan. The SBA would guarantee 85%, or $85,000, of that loan to the lender. If the loan were for $500,000, the SBA would guarantee 75%, or $375,000.
13 CFR Part 120 — Business Loans
Office of the Federal Register · Federal regulation
7(a) Loan Program — Terms, Conditions, and Eligibility
U.S. Small Business Administration · Official SBA source
SOP 50 10 - Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
SBA 7(a) Loans Overview
Last checked 2026-06-14. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 · SBA sources checked through 2026-06-14. DealRoom analysis of public SBA 7(a) lending records (FY2020–present). Grounded in the current SBA rulebook; verify against the official sources above before relying on it for a live deal. Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision.
More on guaranty & risk
Terms in this answer
Pre-qualify your SBA 7(a) deal
Tell us the business, the price, and where you are — we'll point you to the lenders most likely to fund a deal like yours and flag anything that trips up approval.
Free · No documents · Usually same-day