Free browser-based estimate
Calculate front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios for borrowing and household planning. Review the assumptions and verify important figures with current official sources.
Front-end DTI
25.9%
Back-end DTI
37.6%
Monthly debt payments
$3,200
DTI is a planning ratio, not a loan approval decision. Lenders may use different income definitions, debts, limits, and underwriting standards.
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Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward paying debts. Lenders use it as a key indicator of your ability to manage monthly payments and repay borrowed money. There are two types: front-end DTI (housing costs only) and back-end DTI (all monthly debt obligations). Use our mortgage affordability calculator to see how your DTI affects home buying power.
Anyone applying for a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan should know their DTI. It is also essential for renters preparing to buy their first home, homeowners considering refinancing, and anyone working to improve their overall financial health with tools like our debt payoff calculator.
Example Input
Monthly gross income: $6,500. Rent: $0 (moving out of parents'). Car payment: $350. Student loans: $280. Credit card minimums: $120. Proposed mortgage payment: $1,800.
Sample Output
Front-end DTI (housing only): 27.7%. Back-end DTI (all debts): 39.2%. Most conventional lenders require back-end DTI below 43%, so this borrower qualifies but should aim to reduce credit card debt first.
Example Input
Monthly gross income: $9,000. Current mortgage: $2,200. Auto loan: $450. Student loan: $300. No credit card debt.
Sample Output
Front-end DTI: 24.4%. Back-end DTI: 32.8%. Excellent DTI profile. Qualifies for most refinance programs including FHA (43% max) and conventional (45% max with strong credit).
Calculate your DTI before applying for a mortgage to avoid rejection. Check it after paying off a loan to see your improved borrowing capacity. Use it during annual financial reviews to track progress toward the recommended DTI of 36% or below.
The fastest way to lower DTI is to pay down revolving debt (credit cards). A $200/month credit card payment elimination on a $6,000 income drops your DTI by 3.3 percentage points. Alternatively, increasing income through a raise or side income improves DTI without reducing debt.
Do not confuse gross income with net income—DTI always uses gross (pre-tax) income. Do not exclude debts you think are 'almost paid off'; lenders count every active payment. Student loan borrowers on income-driven plans should use their actual monthly payment, not the standard repayment amount.
A DTI of 36% or less is considered good by most lenders. For conventional mortgages, the maximum is typically 43-45%. FHA loans allow up to 50% in some cases. Below 20% is considered excellent.
Current rent does NOT count in DTI if you are buying a home (it will be replaced by the mortgage payment). However, if you will continue paying rent on another property, that payment is included.
No. DTI only includes debt obligations that appear on your credit report: mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, and alimony/child support. Utilities, insurance, groceries, and subscriptions are excluded.
Calculations run locally in your browser (compatible with modern versions of Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox). The page does not connect to your bank or lender accounts; review the Privacy Policy because standard site services may still make network requests. Get instant DTI analysis with clear comparison indicators for FHA, conventional, and VA loan thresholds.
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