Calculate your debt-to-income ratio and see if you qualify for a mortgage. Instant front-end and back-end DTI with lender benchmarks.
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the most important factors lenders evaluate when approving loans. This DTI calculator shows both your front-end ratio (housing costs only) and back-end ratio (all debts), with instant feedback on where you stand relative to lender standards. Check your DTI before applying for a mortgage so you know whether to pay down debts first or if you are already in a strong position to qualify. All calculations run in your browser — your data never leaves your device.
A DTI ratio under 36% is generally considered excellent by lenders. 36%–43% is acceptable and most conventional mortgage lenders will approve loans in this range. 43%–50% is considered high risk. Above 50% makes it very difficult to qualify for most loans. Our DTI calculator shows your front-end and back-end ratios with a clear status indicator.
Lenders calculate DTI by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income (before taxes). They use two versions: Front-end DTI (housing costs only ÷ income) and Back-end DTI (all debt payments ÷ income). Most lenders focus on the back-end DTI and require it to be under 43% for conventional loans.
Front-end DTI includes only housing costs (mortgage/rent, property taxes, insurance, HOA, PMI) divided by gross monthly income. Lenders want this under 28%. Back-end DTI includes ALL monthly debt payments (housing + car loans + student loans + credit card minimums + other debts) divided by gross income. Lenders want this under 36%–43%.
It becomes harder above 43% DTI. FHA loans allow up to 50% DTI with compensating factors (high credit score, large down payment, significant cash reserves). VA loans and USDA loans may also have more flexibility. Some portfolio lenders (who keep loans in-house) may approve higher DTIs. Working to reduce debt before applying significantly improves your chances.
Lower DTI two ways: reduce monthly debt payments or increase gross income. To reduce debts: pay off credit cards or small loan balances, refinance to lower payments, or avoid taking on new debt. To increase income: take a second job, freelance, negotiate a raise, or count other income sources (rental, alimony). Even a small income increase meaningfully lowers DTI percentage.