Free Tool
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Calculator
Calculate both front-end and back-end DTI ratios — exactly what mortgage and loan lenders check before approving your application.
Your income & debt payments
Use pre-tax gross income — that's what lenders use for DTI calculations.
Current rent or mortgage P&I + taxes + insurance. For a new mortgage application, use the projected payment.
Car loans + student loans + minimum credit card payments + any other loan minimums. Do not include utilities, groceries, or other living expenses.
Itemized debt payments
Back-end DTI ratio
Front-end DTI (housing only)
Target: under 28%
Room for more debt (to 36%)
Additional monthly debt payments
Debt breakdown
How you compare to lender thresholds
Front-end vs. back-end DTI explained
Lenders calculate two DTI ratios. Both matter, but back-end DTI is the more important number for most loan types.
| Ratio | Formula | What it measures | Typical max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-end DTI | Housing costs ÷ gross income | What fraction of income goes to housing alone | 28% (conventional), 31% (FHA) |
| Back-end DTI | (All debt payments) ÷ gross income | Total debt load relative to income | 36–43% (conventional), 43% (FHA), up to 50% (VA/FHA with compensating factors) |
DTI thresholds by loan type
| Loan type | Max front-end DTI | Max back-end DTI | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional mortgage | 28% | 36–45% | Higher limit with 20%+ down, strong credit score, reserves |
| FHA mortgage | 31% | 43% | Up to 50% with compensating factors (large reserves, good credit) |
| VA loan | No limit | 41% | No official front-end limit; back-end can exceed 41% with residual income |
| USDA loan | 29% | 41% | Strict limits; lenders rarely approve above these without exceptions |
| Auto loan | N/A | 50%+ | Less strict than mortgages; focus more on credit score and payment-to-income |
| Personal loan | N/A | 40–50% | Varies by lender; higher DTI accepted at higher interest rates |
How to lower your DTI before applying
Pay off smaller debts first
Eliminating a car loan or personal loan reduces monthly obligations immediately — even if the balance is large, the monthly payment savings improve DTI faster.
Debt payoff calculator →Increase gross income
A raise, side income, or reclassifying a tenant's rental income can increase the denominator. Lenders require 2 years of history for self-employment income.
Budget planner →Avoid new debt
Every new loan you take out before applying for a mortgage adds to your monthly debt obligations. Hold off on car loans, furniture financing, and credit card spending.
Learn about debt options →Refinance high-payment debt
Extending the term on a car loan or student loan lowers the monthly payment — even if total interest increases. This can meaningfully reduce back-end DTI.
Balance transfer tool →Related tools
Educational content only. This page is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, tax, or personal financial advice. Results vary. Laws and bureau processes change. Consult the CFPB, FTC, and AnnualCreditReport.com for authoritative guidance. Full disclaimer
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