Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
0% total debt-to-income ratio
Front-End vs Back-End Ratio
Your front-end ratio counts only housing costs against your income. Your back-end ratio (the one lenders usually care about most) adds in every other recurring debt payment — car loans, student loans, minimum credit card payments, and personal loans.
What Lenders Typically Look For
Many conventional mortgage lenders prefer a back-end DTI under 36%, though some loan programs allow up to 43-50% with strong compensating factors like a high credit score or large cash reserves. Lower is always better for approval odds and interest rate offers.
Lowering Your DTI Before You Apply
Paying down a car loan or credit card balance before applying for a mortgage often improves your DTI faster than saving a bigger down payment. See the house affordability calculator to see how your DTI translates into a maximum home price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What DTI do I need to qualify for a mortgage?
Many lenders prefer a back-end DTI under 36%, though some loan programs allow up to 43-50% with strong compensating factors.
What counts as debt in this calculation?
Recurring required payments — housing, car loans, student loans, and minimum credit card payments. Expenses like groceries or utilities are not included.