United States Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
The United States' government debt was 124.38% in December 2025, up from 122.33% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 122.33%.
The United States' government debt stands at 124.38% as of December 2025. Over the latest readings, the government debt has moved within a band of 53.49% to 132.62%. The most recent figure of 124.38% is up from 122.33% a year earlier, and is 2.04% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 192 economies tracked on this platform, United States ranks #12 on government debt by latest value. It rose from 122.33% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 122.33%.
What's driving it
The debt ratio moves with budget deficits, growth, interest costs and the currency; faster nominal growth lowers it, while wide deficits push it up.
Recent readings
| Period | Government debt |
|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | 124.38% |
| Dec 2024 | 122.33% |
| Dec 2023 | 120.05% |
| Dec 2022 | 119.17% |
| Dec 2021 | 124.99% |
| Dec 2020 | 132.62% |
| Dec 2019 | 108.84% |
| Dec 2018 | 107.71% |
Data: Source: IMF — International Reserves and Foreign Currency Liquidity (IRFCL), International Liquidity (IL), Monetary and Financial Statistics (MFS), World Economic Outlook (WEO). Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Government Debt Does the United States Have in 2026?
The United States' government debt was 124.38% in December 2025, up from 122.33% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 122.33%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in the United States?
It rose in the latest reading — 124.38% in December 2025 versus 122.33% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is government debt?
It measures total public debt expressed as a share of gross domestic product (debt-to-GDP).