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DTI Calculator Guide
Your debt-to-income ratio is one of the first things lenders check for a mortgage, car loan, or refinance. This calculator gives both your back-end and front-end DTI and shows where you stand against common lending limits.
DTI = total monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income × 100. The back-end ratio includes all debts; the front-end ratio counts only housing.
What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Lenders generally like a back-end DTI at or below 36%, will often approve up to 43% (the usual limit for a qualified mortgage), and see anything higher as risky. Lower is better and gives you more borrowing room.
DTI Ranges Lenders Use
| Back-End DTI | How Lenders See It |
|---|---|
| Under 36% | Healthy — strong approval odds |
| 36–43% | Manageable — often still approvable |
| 43–50% | High — limited options, higher rates |
| Over 50% | Very high — focus on paying down debt |
Worked Example
Income $6,000/month, housing $1,500, other debts $600: back-end DTI = (1,500 + 600) ÷ 6,000 = 35%; front-end DTI = 1,500 ÷ 6,000 = 25%.
How to Lower Your DTI
- Pay down balances — especially loans with high minimum payments.
- Avoid new debt before applying for a mortgage.
- Increase income — a raise or side income lifts the denominator.
- Refinance or consolidate to lower monthly payments.
Build a payoff plan with the Debt Snowball Calculator, or size a new loan with the Loan Payment Calculator.
These results are estimates for planning only and are not financial advice. Actual rates, terms, fees, and eligibility vary by lender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
A back-end DTI at or below 36% is considered healthy, and most mortgage lenders approve up to about 43%.
How do I calculate my DTI?
Divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income and multiply by 100.
What's the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?
Front-end DTI counts only housing costs, while back-end DTI includes all monthly debt payments.
Does rent count in DTI?
Yes — rent or your full mortgage payment is included in the housing portion of your DTI.
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