Debt-to-Income Calculator

What's Your Debt-to-Income Ratio?

Lenders use your DTI ratio to decide what loan size you qualify for. Enter your income, monthly debts, and proposed housing payment to see where you stand against the most common lender thresholds.

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All numbers are estimates. Your real loan depends on credit, equity, property type, and current rates. Run the math, then request a free quote.

Results

Back-End DTI 0%
Front-End DTI (housing only)0%
Total Monthly Debts$0
Status
Conforming (≤43%)
FHA (≤50%)
Room to Borrow More$0
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How to Use It

Why DTI Is the Lender's First Filter

Before a lender looks at anything else, they check your debt-to-income ratio. It tells them, quickly, whether the loan you're asking for fits within your budget on paper.

There are two ratios. Front-end DTI is your housing payment divided by gross income. Back-end DTI is your housing payment plus all other monthly debts divided by gross income. Back-end is the one most lenders care about most.

Common Thresholds

  • Conventional (Fannie/Freddie): generally up to 43% back-end, with flexibility to 50% in some scenarios.
  • FHA: typically up to 50% back-end with compensating factors.
  • VA: no hard DTI cap; uses residual income guidelines instead.
  • Jumbo: most jumbo programs cap at 43–45% back-end.
  • The 28/36 rule: the comfortable target: under 28% front, under 36% back.
Common Questions

Calculator FAQ

What's a good DTI for a mortgage?

Under 36% is comfortable; 36–43% is standard; 43–50% is still workable with the right program; over 50% usually requires alternative programs (like bank statement loans) or reducing other debts first.

Why does my DTI matter more than my credit score sometimes?

Credit score tells the lender how reliably you've paid debts. DTI tells them whether you can afford the new payment on top of what you already have.

Which debts count in DTI?

Auto loans, credit card minimums, student loans (even deferred ones), child support/alimony paid, and any other reported monthly obligations. Utilities, groceries, gas, and other living expenses don't count.

Does paying off debt help me qualify?

Significantly. Paying off a $500/month auto loan can increase your buying power by roughly $80,000–$100,000 depending on rates.

What if my DTI is too high?

Options include: pay down debt, increase down payment to shrink the housing payment, find a co-borrower, or use a program with looser DTI rules (like bank statement loans). We can help you find the right path.

Does the calculator account for taxes and insurance?

Yes, make sure your 'Proposed Housing Payment' field includes principal, interest, property tax, insurance, and HOA. That's the number lenders use.

Numbers Look Right?

Take your inputs and get a real, written rate quote, usually within 1-2 business days.

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