Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your front-end and back-end DTI ratio for mortgage qualification and debt health assessment.
Understanding DTI Ratio
DTI is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments. Lenders use it to assess your ability to handle additional debt. Front-end DTI covers housing costs only; back-end includes all minimum debt obligations. Most mortgage lenders require a back-end DTI of 43% or less.
DTI Guidelines by Loan Type
Conventional loans: typically 43% max back-end DTI, 28% front-end preferred. FHA loans: 43–50% back-end DTI allowed with compensating factors (reserves, excellent credit). VA loans: 41% guideline but flexible. Jumbo loans: often stricter, requiring DTI below 38–43%.
Improving Your DTI
Two levers: reduce monthly debt obligations or increase qualifying income. Paying off a car loan, student loan, or credit card balance before applying for a mortgage can meaningfully shift your DTI. Documenting all income sources (side gigs, rental income, consistent overtime) can increase the denominator and lower your ratio.