Quick answer
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, shown as a percentage. For example, $1,800 in payments on $5,000 of income is a 36% DTI. Many lenders prefer a back-end DTI of 36% or less, though limits vary by loan type and can reach 50% for some mortgages. This calculator runs in your browser, and nothing you type is sent or stored.
Calculate your DTI
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Key takeaways
- DTI = monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income. Lenders look at it for mortgages, auto loans, and personal loans.
- Front-end DTI counts housing only (common guideline: 28% or less). Back-end DTI counts all debt payments (common guideline: 36% or less).
- DTI counts payments, not balances, so lowering or removing any monthly payment improves it right away.
Table of contents
How lenders read your number
DTI answers one question: how much of your income is already committed to debt? The CFPB defines DTI as all your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, and notes that different loan products and lenders set different limits. Under about 36% back-end, most lenders see you as having room in your budget. Between 36% and 43%, you are nearing the limits many lenders use. Above that, approvals get harder and rates tend to rise.
The calculator's zones (healthy, manageable, stretched, overextended) are general guidelines, not a lender's decision. Lenders also look at your credit history, savings, and the type of loan.
DTI limits by loan type
| Loan type | Typical back-end DTI limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional mortgage, manually underwritten (Fannie Mae) | 36% | Up to 45% with required credit scores and reserves |
| Conventional mortgage, automated underwriting (Fannie Mae DU) | Up to 50% | Set by Fannie Mae's Selling Guide |
| Many lenders' rule of thumb | 36% to 43% | 43% was the old federal qualified-mortgage cap and is still widely used as a benchmark |
| Personal and auto loans | Varies by lender | Not set by law; ask the lender |
Figures for Fannie Mae loans come from its Selling Guide section on debt-to-income ratios. FHA loans often allow higher ratios than conventional loans when a borrower has strengths such as savings or steady income. Planning a home purchase? Pair this with our home loan calculators and FHA loan calculator.
Ways to lower your DTI
Because DTI counts payments, not balances, the quickest gains come from changing a monthly payment. Paying off a small debt entirely removes its whole payment, which is why the snowball method can lower DTI fast. Refinancing a high-rate payment or increasing your income also helps. Be careful about stretching a loan's term just to shrink the payment: it lowers DTI but usually raises the total you repay.
If your payments feel unmanageable, a nonprofit credit counselor can review your budget for free or at low cost. Our guides to debt relief options and hardship programs for credit card debt explain what is available.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
A back-end DTI of 36% or less is the classic guideline. Many lenders accept up to about 43%, and Fannie Mae allows up to 50% on some mortgages approved through its automated underwriting system.
Is DTI calculated on gross or net income?
Gross income, meaning your income before taxes and deductions. Because of this, your real budget is usually tighter than your DTI suggests.
What counts as debt in a DTI ratio?
Your rent or mortgage payment, car loans, minimum credit card payments, student loans, personal loans, and court-ordered payments such as child support. Everyday costs like utilities, groceries, and insurance are not included.
What is the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?
Front-end DTI counts only your housing payment. Back-end DTI counts your housing payment plus all other monthly debt payments. Lenders usually focus on the back-end number.
Is my information saved when I use this calculator?
No. The calculator runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or stored.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 25, 2026. If a source and this page ever disagree, follow the source.
Estimates are informational only, not financial advice or an offer of credit — see our disclaimers.
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