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Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Lenders use your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to decide how much you can borrow. Enter your gross monthly income and debt payments to see your ratio and how it compares with common lending limits.

38.7%Debt-to-income ratio (back-end)

Total monthly debts$2,900.00
Housing ratio (front-end)26.7%

Acceptable for many mortgages, but tight.

How this calculator works

Back-end DTI is all monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income: housing, car, student loans, minimum card payments and other loans.

Front-end DTI counts only housing costs.

Living expenses such as groceries, utilities and insurance premiums are not included.

Many lenders prefer a DTI of 36% or less; 43% is a common ceiling for qualified mortgages, and some programs go up to 50% with strong credit.

Worked example

$7,500 monthly income, $2,900 of debts

  1. Debts: $2,000 housing + $450 car + $300 student loans + $150 cards.
  2. Back-end DTI: $2,900 ÷ $7,500 = 38.7%.
  3. Front-end DTI: $2,000 ÷ $7,500 = 26.7%.

Questions people ask

What is a good debt-to-income ratio?

Below 36% is generally considered good, and below 20% excellent. Above 43% makes many loans harder to get.

Does DTI use gross or net income?

Gross income, before taxes and deductions.

How can I lower my DTI?

Pay down balances, especially loans with high payments, avoid new debt before applying, or increase income.

Last reviewed October 2, 2026