Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio — the key number lenders check when evaluating mortgage and loan applications. Enter your monthly income, housing costs, and debt payments to see your front-end and back-end DTI and whether you're likely to qualify.

Gross Monthly Income ($)

Housing Costs (monthly)

Mortgage / Rent ($)

Property Tax + Insurance ($)

Other Monthly Debt Payments

Car Loan(s) ($)

Student Loans ($)

Credit Card Minimums ($)

Other Debts ($)

Your DTI Ratio

Front-End DTI—

Back-End DTI—

Total Monthly Debt—

Housing Costs—

Mortgage Qualification—

Max Add'l Monthly Debt—

Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

The debt-to-income ratio is the most important metric lenders use to evaluate loan applications. It measures what percentage of your gross monthly income goes toward debt payments — and it directly determines whether you qualify for a mortgage, how much you can borrow, and sometimes your interest rate. Calculating your DTI before applying for a loan gives you time to improve it.

Front-End vs. Back-End DTI

There are two DTI ratios. The front-end ratio (also called the housing ratio) includes only your housing costs — mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, and insurance (PITI). The back-end ratio includes all monthly debt obligations: housing plus car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, child support, and other obligations. Lenders use both.

DTI Thresholds by Loan Type

Conventional loans typically require back-end DTI under 43–45%. FHA loans allow up to 43% with standard approval, and sometimes up to 50% with strong compensating factors. VA loans technically have no hard limit but 41% is the preferred threshold. Jumbo loans (over $766,550) often require back-end DTI under 36–38%.

How to Improve Your DTI

Three levers: pay off debts to reduce monthly obligations (smallest balances give the quickest DTI win), increase gross income through a raise, second job, or documented side income, and avoid taking on new debt before applying. Paying off a $5,000 credit card balance eliminates a $100/month minimum, improving your DTI ratio on a $6,000 income by 1.7 percentage points.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good debt-to-income ratio?

Under 36% back-end is considered good. Under 28% front-end is preferred. DTI above 43% typically prevents conventional mortgage approval; above 50% disqualifies most borrowers from any loan program.

What counts as debt in a DTI calculation?

Monthly minimum payments on credit cards, car loans, student loans, personal loans, child support, alimony, and existing mortgages. Utilities, insurance, groceries, and subscriptions do not count.

How can I improve my debt-to-income ratio?

Pay off debts (especially small balances that eliminate monthly payments), increase gross income, and avoid new debt before applying for a mortgage. Even eliminating one small payment can move the needle significantly.

What is front-end vs. back-end DTI?

Front-end = housing costs ÷ gross income. Back-end = all monthly debts ÷ gross income. Lenders check both: typically front-end under 28% and back-end under 36–43%.

Does DTI affect my interest rate?

Primarily affects qualification, not rate. Your credit score, down payment, and LTV have more rate impact. However, a high DTI can disqualify you from the best loan programs that offer the lowest rates.