Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your front-end and back-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, list debts one by one, test a new loan payment and compare yourself with conventional, FHA, VA and USDA limits.
How it works
Front-end DTI = housing payment ÷ gross monthly income × 100 · Back-end DTI = (housing + all other debt payments) ÷ gross monthly income × 100 · Room = limit% × income − total debt
Debt-to-income ratio is the share of your gross monthly income that goes to required debt payments. Lenders check two versions. The front-end ratio counts housing only: rent, or the mortgage payment with property tax, insurance, HOA dues and mortgage insurance. The back-end ratio adds every other required payment: car and student loans, credit-card minimums, personal loans and court-ordered support. Income includes a co-borrower’s pay and other documented income such as a pension or alimony received. Common limits are 28% and 36% for conventional mortgages (automated approval can reach 50% total), 31% and 43% for FHA, 41% total for VA, and 29% and 41% for USDA loans. The calculator rates your ratio, checks it against the loan type you pick, and shows how much payment room is left or how much you would need to cut. You can also test whether a new loan payment would still fit.
Worked example
On $6,000 monthly income with a $1,600 housing payment and $600 of other debt, the front-end DTI is 1,600 ÷ 6,000 = 26.7% and the back-end DTI is 2,200 ÷ 6,000 = 36.7%. That is "manageable": over the conventional 36% guideline by $40 a month, but within FHA’s 43% (6,000 × 0.43 = $2,580, so $380 of room). Testing a new $350 car payment pushes the back-end ratio to 2,550 ÷ 6,000 = 42.5%.
Frequently asked questions
What DTI do I need for a mortgage?
Many lenders want the back-end ratio at 36% or lower and treat 43% as the usual ceiling for a qualified mortgage. Conventional loans approved through automated underwriting can go up to 50%, FHA loans often allow 43% or more with strong compensating factors, and VA and USDA loans use 41%.
Does gross or net income matter?
Lenders use gross (pre-tax) monthly income for DTI. Your budget should use net pay, so your real breathing room is tighter than the ratio suggests.
What counts as debt in DTI?
Required monthly minimum payments on loans and credit cards, the housing payment (including tax, insurance and HOA), and court-ordered child support or alimony. Utilities, phone bills, insurance premiums, groceries and other living costs are not counted.
How do I lower my DTI fast?
Pay off or pay down the debts with the highest monthly payments (not just highest balances), avoid new loans before applying, and document any extra income. The "payments to cut" result shows how far you are from the limit you picked.
Can I add a co-borrower’s income?
Yes. Add it under More options, along with other documented income. Remember to include the co-borrower’s debts too, because lenders combine both incomes and both sets of debts.
Related calculators
This is an educational estimate, not financial advice. Confirm figures with your lender, advisor or tax professional.