Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
DTI is the single number lenders lean on hardest. Below 36% is comfortable; 43% is the usual ceiling for a qualified mortgage.
33.0% back-end DTI — acceptable
- Front-end (housing) DTI
- 25.0%
- Room before 36%
- $300 / mo
- Room before 43%
- $1,000 / mo
How it works
Front-end DTI is the housing payment over gross monthly income. Back-end DTI adds all other debt payments. The remaining capacity to the 36% and 43% marks is shown in dollars.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?
Front-end DTI is just the housing payment divided by gross monthly income. Back-end DTI adds every other monthly debt payment on top. Lenders weigh both, but back-end is usually the harder limit.
What DTI do lenders want to see?
Roughly 28% front-end and 36% back-end is considered strong; up to 43% back-end is the usual ceiling for a qualified mortgage, though some loan programs allow higher with compensating factors like a large down payment or strong credit.
What counts as a monthly debt for DTI?
Recurring minimum payments — auto loans, student loans, personal loans, minimum credit card payments, and other mortgages or child support/alimony you owe. One-time or discretionary expenses like groceries, utilities, or subscriptions aren't counted.
How can I lower my DTI?
Pay down or pay off a debt entirely (which removes its minimum payment), avoid taking on new debt before applying, or increase income. Because a smaller housing payment lowers both ratios at once, a lower home price or larger down payment often has the biggest effect.