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Portfolio Cash Sweep Calculator

Cash sweeps redirect property cash flow to portfolio obligations before distributions.

Portfolio cash flow

Reserve requirements

Senior debt requirements

Mezz/pref requirements

Available for distribution

$3,500,000

Total sweep required

$21,500,000

Distribution ratio

0.1%

How the math works

Sweep = reserves + senior + mezz/pref. Available = cash flow − sweep.

$25M CF − ($2.5M reserves + $15M senior + $4M mezz) = $21.5M sweep. $3.5M available = 14%.

Editorial noteMaintained by EveryCalc - Reviewed June 2026

EveryCalc calculators are designed for fast, practical estimates with transparent inputs and no required account. We use plain formulas, visible assumptions, and related tools so visitors can check the result from more than one angle.

Results are informational only. For financial, tax, legal, medical, construction, or other high-impact decisions, verify the output against primary sources or a qualified professional.

Learn more about our review process on the EveryCalc methodology page.

How this calculator works

What this page estimates

This Portfolio Cash Sweep Calculator is built to give a quick, browser-based estimate for portfolio cash sweep. Cash sweeps redirect property cash flow to portfolio obligations before distributions. The inputs stay on the page during normal use, and the result should be treated as an estimate for planning, comparison, or education rather than professional advice.

Calculation approach

The calculator applies the standard relationship implied by the inputs, then formats the answer so it can be checked and reused. For finance tools, the most important step is using consistent units, rates, time periods, and assumptions before comparing the result with another calculator or outside quote.

Example workflow

For example, start with a realistic value you already know, change one input at a time, and watch how the answer moves. That makes it easier to tell whether the result is being driven by the main amount, the rate, the time period, or a unit conversion.

Practical checks

Use current, real-world numbers when the result affects money, health, tax, or legal decisions.
Run a low, base, and high case when the inputs are estimates.
Check the related calculators below when the next decision depends on a different assumption.

How to interpret the portfolio cash sweep result

Best use

Use the result as a planning number for comparing payments, rates, returns, tax reserves, or cash-flow choices before you request a quote or make a commitment.

Cross-check

Compare the answer with the contract, lender estimate, tax form, brokerage statement, payroll record, or invoice that will control the real-world outcome.

Watch for

Do not rely on a single optimistic rate, return, or fee assumption. Money pages work best when you run low, base, and high cases and keep professional advice separate from the estimate.

This page belongs to the Finance calculator library, so the answer should be read in the context of the decision you are modeling rather than as a universal rule.

Before relying on this portfolio cash sweep estimate

Most calculator mistakes come from the inputs, not the arithmetic. Use this short audit before you reuse the answer in a spreadsheet, quote, application, or important conversation.

Confirm source numbers

Match balances, rates, fees, taxes, income, and payment dates against the lender quote, payroll record, tax form, statement, invoice, or contract.

Separate cash flow from total cost

A lower monthly payment can still cost more over time if fees, interest, taxes, or a longer term are hidden in the structure.

Run conservative cases

Test at least one higher-cost or lower-return case before using the output for a purchase, refinance, investment, loan, or tax decision.

Rerun this page when the rate, price, term, fee, tax rule, income, expense, or expected holding period changes.

How to Use

Enter portfolio cash flow.
Enter reserve requirements.
Enter senior debt requirements.
Enter mezz/pref requirements.
Read available for distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cash sweep?

A lender covenant (typically triggered by DSCR falling below threshold) that automatically sweeps all or part of property cash flow into a lender-controlled reserve account. Prevents sponsor from taking distributions while debt is at risk. Common in CMBS loans (hard lockbox — rent goes to lender account, lender pays expenses and debt service, excess to sponsor). Debt fund loans often have softer sweep triggers (1.15 DSCR trigger, 1.25 release).

Sweep vs lockbox?

Soft lockbox: tenant pays to sponsor-controlled account; sponsor funds loan servicer. Lender only takes over in default. Springing lockbox: triggers hard lockbox upon covenant breach. Hard lockbox: always lender-controlled, sponsor receives excess only. Sweep: during triggered period, sponsor receives nothing — all cash flow held. CMBS loans universally have lockbox; bank loans rarely have full lockbox for stabilized assets but often have sweep on value-add or construction.

When is cash sweep triggered?

Typical triggers: (1) DSCR below 1.15-1.25 (measured monthly or quarterly), (2) debt yield below 8-10%, (3) major tenant default (loss of anchor), (4) operating covenant breach, (5) approach to maturity (sometimes 6-12 months before, to build cash for payoff). Sweep lasts until cure (metrics recover for 2-4 consecutive quarters). Institutional operators build covenant cushion; amateur operators get surprised by sweep and scramble for partner capital.

Portfolio-level cash management?

Beyond single-loan sweeps, portfolio sponsors manage cash flow across properties. Excess from performing assets can cover shortfall elsewhere. Capital calls are last resort. Reserve accounts (6-12 months expected debt service) at portfolio level reduce individual-loan sweep triggers. Sophisticated sponsors run weekly cash dashboards showing sweep-at-risk assets, buffer capacity, and potential capital-call triggers. This is institutional CFO-level work.