Debt-to-income (DTI) calculator
DTI is one of the first numbers lenders check when you apply for a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan. It compares your monthly debt payments to your gross (pre-tax) monthly income.
Your ratio
Total monthly debt—
Back-end DTI—
Front-end (housing only)—
Reading—
Lenders' exact cutoffs vary by loan type and compensating factors. Many mortgage programs prefer back-end DTI at or below ~43%, with ~36% often considered comfortable.
How lenders typically read DTI
| Back-end DTI | Typical read |
|---|---|
| 35% or less | Generally comfortable for most lenders |
| 36–43% | Often acceptable, especially for mortgages with strong credit |
| 44–49% | Harder — fewer programs qualify, may need compensating factors |
| 50%+ | Most lenders will decline; focus on paying debt down first |
These bands are general industry conventions, not rules — FHA loans, for example, sometimes allow higher DTIs with strong factors elsewhere. Note that DTI uses gross income and only debt payments — utilities, groceries, insurance, and subscriptions don't count.
Estimates only. This calculator uses simplified math and the numbers you enter.
Real-world loans and accounts can include fees, compounding differences, rate changes, taxes,
and lender-specific rules that this tool doesn't capture. Results are for education — not
financial advice and not a quote or offer. Verify any decision with your own statements,
your lender or bank, or a qualified professional.