Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the first numbers a lender checks. Find out where you stand and what it means.
Your income
Use income before taxes and deductions (gross income). Example numbers are filled in.
Co-borrower, steady side income, alimony received.
Monthly debt payments
For a mortgage, include property tax, home insurance and HOA dues if you pay them.
Do not include utilities, groceries, phone, gas or other living costs. Lenders count only debt payments.
Estimates only. Lenders calculate debt-to-income in different ways and set their own limits. This calculator runs in your browser and does not store or send your information. Not financial advice.
DTI at a glance
How to calculate your DTI
Include rent or mortgage payments, car loans, student loans, minimum credit card payments, personal loans and court-ordered payments such as child support. Do not include everyday expenses like groceries, utilities or insurance.
DTI = total monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income × 100
Example: your gross monthly income is $6,000. You pay $1,500 in rent, $350 on a car loan, $250 on student loans and $100 in credit card minimums, for a total of $2,200. Your DTI is $2,200 ÷ $6,000 = about 37%.
Front-end vs. back-end DTI
Front-end DTI
Counts only housing costs (mortgage or rent, property taxes, insurance and HOA fees).
Back-end DTI
Counts all monthly debt payments. When people say “DTI,” they usually mean this one.
What is a good DTI?
| DTI | What it generally means |
|---|---|
| 35% or less | Healthy. You should qualify for most loans on good terms. |
| 36% to 43% | Manageable, but lenders may look more closely. |
| 44% to 49% | Stretched. Fewer options and higher rates are likely. |
| 50% or more | High. Most of your income goes to debt, and it's time to act. |
Lender requirements vary by loan type. Many conventional mortgage lenders prefer a DTI of 36% or less, and some programs allow higher ratios with strong credit or savings.
How to lower your DTI
Pay down balances
Starting with the debts that have the highest payments relative to their balances.
Avoid taking on new debt
Before applying for a mortgage or loan.
Refinance or consolidate
To lower monthly payments.
Increase your income
Even temporarily.
Is your DTI above 50%?
A high debt load is a sign it may be time to explore debt relief options. Talk to a debt remediation specialist.
