Utilization Factor in Credit Score

[Anonymous]

Hi All! 

I have a question regarding utilization...

Is the utilization factor in a credit score only based on open, available credit and the amount used on those credit lines?

I am just wondering if my closed accounts that still have balances on them that were closed by the creditor and still in repayment, are factored into the score?

I guess it would make sense to put more effort into paying down the open credit lines to lower the utilization if my thinking is correct.  Any thoughts?

Thank you in advance! 

[bigman023]

The balances on those closed accounts still count toward your utilization.  However, the CL on those closed accounts do not count. There was conflicting opinions on this, so I did the math on my report.  My utilization calculation matched FICO's,  when I included only the balances of my closed account.