Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator: DTI for Mortgages
Use this debt-to-income ratio calculator to find your DTI — the number lenders use to decide if you can afford a new loan. Calculate debt to income ratio in seconds; under 36% is the standard mortgage target.
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Monthly debt payments
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Back-end DTI (all debt)0.0%
Front-end DTI (housing only)0.0%
Total monthly debt$0
Mortgage status—
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How this calculator works
Lenders calculate two DTI ratios. Both use gross monthly income (before tax) as the denominator:
Front-End DTI = Monthly Housing Cost ÷ Gross Monthly Income × 100
Back-End DTI = Total Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Income × 100
Lender thresholds (conventional loans, Fannie Mae guidelines):
- ≤ 28% front-end — housing costs are considered affordable
- ≤ 36% back-end — broadly accepted for conventional mortgages
- ≤ 43% back-end — maximum for most qualified mortgages (QM rule)
- ≤ 50% back-end — FHA may allow with compensating factors (strong credit, reserves)
Monthly housing costs include principal, interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance (PITI) and any HOA fee — not just the mortgage payment itself.
Source: DTI limits are defined in the CFPB Qualified Mortgage rule (12 CFR § 1026.43) and the CFPB guide to debt-to-income ratios.
FAQ
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Below 36% back-end is generally good. Below 28% front-end (housing only) is the traditional guideline. Back-end DTI carries more weight with lenders. Under 20% gives you the most negotiating power and the best rates.
Does DTI affect my credit score?
No — credit scores do not include income, so DTI is not part of your score. Lenders calculate it separately using income documents. However, high debt balances raise your credit utilization ratio, which does affect your score.
How do I lower my DTI quickly before applying for a mortgage?
Two levers: increase income or reduce monthly debt obligations. Paying off a car loan or credit card eliminates that minimum payment immediately. Avoid any new debt (even 0% offers) in the months before applying. Consolidating multiple debts into one lower payment also lowers DTI.
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Below 36% total DTI is the gold standard for getting most loans approved. Front-end DTI (housing only) should be under 28%. Above 43% back-end DTI, most conventional mortgages reject the application — that is the qualified-mortgage cap set by the CFPB. FHA loans allow up to 50% with strong compensating factors.
How is debt-to-income ratio calculated?
DTI = total monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income. Front-end counts only housing (mortgage + property tax + insurance). Back-end counts ALL debts: housing, credit cards, auto, student, personal loans, child support. Use minimum required payments, not what you actually pay.
Does rent count in DTI calculations?
When applying for a NEW mortgage, no — your current rent does not count because you will be replacing it with the new mortgage. When applying for any other loan (auto, personal, credit card), yes — current rent counts as a housing expense.
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