Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios and see how lenders are likely to view them.

  • Reviewed October 2026
  • Formula and worked example below
  • Free, no sign-up, runs in your browser
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Include property tax, insurance and HOA if you own.
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Personal loans, child support, alimony.
Enter your numbers to see the result.

What debt-to-income ratio means

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the share of your gross monthly income that goes to debt payments. Lenders use it to judge whether you can take on a new loan. It is one of the most important numbers in a mortgage application, alongside your credit score and down payment.

DTI = Total monthly debt payments ÷ Gross monthly income × 100

Income of $6,000 a month with payments of $1,650 housing, $380 car, $250 student loan and $120 credit card minimums totals $2,400. DTI = 2,400 ÷ 6,000 = 40%. The housing-only (front-end) ratio is 27.5%.

What counts as debt

Include minimum required payments on loans and credit cards, rent or mortgage (with tax, insurance and HOA), child support and alimony. Do not include utilities, groceries, phone bills, insurance premiums or other living costs.

How lenders view your DTI

  • 36% or less: comfortable; you should qualify for most loans.
  • 37–43%: acceptable for many loans; 43% is a common limit for qualified mortgages.
  • 44–50%: possible with strong credit, reserves or FHA loans, but options narrow.
  • Above 50%: most lenders will decline. Focus on reducing debt first.

How to lower your DTI

  • Pay off small balances completely to remove their payments.
  • Avoid new financing, such as a car loan, before applying for a mortgage.
  • Refinance or consolidate high-payment debts into longer terms (this can raise total interest).
  • Increase documented income; lenders usually need two years of history for bonuses and side income.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good debt-to-income ratio?

Under 36% is generally considered good, with no more than 28% going to housing. Many lenders accept up to 43%, and some up to 50%.

Does DTI use gross or net income?

Lenders use gross income, before taxes and deductions.

Does DTI affect my credit score?

No. DTI is not part of your credit score, though credit utilization (card balances vs limits) is.

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Last reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Results are estimates; check important decisions with a qualified professional.