Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is the single biggest number lenders check when you apply for a mortgage. This calculator works out your front-end and back-end ratios and grades them against lender benchmarks.
How this calculator works
Your front-end ratio is your monthly housing payment divided by gross monthly income; your back-end ratio divides all monthly debt payments (housing plus car, student loans, cards, and other debts) by gross income. Conventional lenders generally want front-end at or below 28% and back-end at or below 36%, and the Qualified Mortgage rule caps most loans at 43%. The calculator shows both ratios and where you land against those benchmarks.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
For most conventional mortgages, lenders want a back-end ratio at or below 36% — 43% is the cap for Qualified Mortgages. FHA loans allow up to 43% (sometimes 50% with strong compensating factors), while VA loans have no fixed cap but still weigh the ratio.
How can I lower my DTI before applying?
Pay down credit cards and installment balances to cut the monthly minimums, avoid new car loans, and increase income. Even small reductions in the debt side move the ratio — a $200 monthly difference changes a 38% DTI by over 3 points on $6,000 of income.
Does DTI include rent?
When you apply for a mortgage, your future housing payment replaces rent in the back-end ratio — lenders count the new mortgage payment, not what you currently pay. Include your current rent only if it will continue after closing.
Disclaimer: Results are estimates for general information only and do not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect 2026 rules and may change. Always confirm current limits and consult a qualified professional before making decisions. Official figures: IRS.gov · 2026 limits per IRS tax inflation adjustments.