Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Back-end DTI compares total recurring monthly debt payments to gross monthly income. Many lenders review ratios near 36–43% for mortgages—rules vary.
Monthly figures
Total monthly debts:
Debt-to-income ratio:
Housing-only ratio (front-end):
How DTI is calculated
Back-end DTI = total monthly debt payments (housing plus all other recurring debts) ÷ gross monthly income. Front-end DTI uses only the housing payment in the numerator. Lenders use both figures — often alongside credit score and down payment — to judge how much additional debt you can safely take on.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a monthly debt payment? Recurring, contractual payments: mortgage or rent, auto loans, minimum credit card payments, student loans, and personal loans. It typically excludes utilities, groceries, insurance, or subscriptions.
What's considered a good DTI? Many conventional mortgage lenders look for a back-end DTI at or below 36%, though some loan programs allow up to 43–50% with compensating factors like a strong credit score or large down payment. Lower is generally better for approval odds and interest rate.
How can I lower my DTI? Pay down or pay off existing debts, avoid taking on new debt before applying for a loan, or increase your income — any of these improve the ratio.