Free DTI Calculator
Free Debt-to-Income (DTI) Calculator & Planner
Most DTI calculators just show a number. Our AI runs what-if scenarios, shows you which debts to attack first, and generates a downloadable report you can use with lenders or clients.
Enter this to see if you qualify for a new mortgage. Leave empty to calculate based on current housing costs.
Excellent - Most lenders prefer under 36%
Ideal for conventional mortgages
Income
$0
Debts
$0
Conventional Mortgage
Front: 28% | Back: 36%
FHA Loan
Front: 31% | Back: 43%
VA Loan
Front: 41% | Back: 41%
USDA Loan
Front: 29% | Back: 41%
Jumbo Loan
Front: 28% | Back: 43%
Auto Loan
Back: 50%
Personal Loan
Back: 40%
Credit Card
Back: 45%
- Increasing income (side gig, raise) directly improves DTI
- Avoid opening new credit accounts before applying for a mortgage
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Start Free Trial - No Credit Card RequiredWhat is Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)?
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a key financial metric that compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Lenders use this ratio to evaluate your ability to manage monthly payments and repay borrowed money.
A lower DTI indicates you have a good balance between debt and income, making you a less risky borrower. Most lenders prefer a DTI of 36% or lower, though some loan programs allow higher ratios.
DTI = (Monthly Debts / Gross Monthly Income) x 100
Example: $2,000 in monthly debts / $6,000 gross income = 33.3% DTI
Front-End vs. Back-End DTI
Measures only your housing costs as a percentage of income. Includes:
- Mortgage principal and interest
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA fees (if applicable)
Target: 28% or less for conventional mortgages
Includes all monthly debt obligations:
- All housing costs (front-end)
- Auto loan payments
- Credit card minimum payments
- Student loans, personal loans, child support
Target: 36% or less (up to 43% for FHA)
DTI Ratio Ranges & What They Mean
Excellent
Highly favorable. You have excellent financial flexibility and will qualify for the best rates.
Good
Healthy balance. Most lenders will approve you and offer competitive rates.
Fair
Manageable but limited. Some lenders may approve with conditions or higher rates.
High Risk
Difficult to get approved. Focus on paying down debt before applying for new credit.
Lender DTI Requirements by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Front-End Max | Back-End Max | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional Mortgage | 28% | 36% | Standard 28/36 rule; up to 45% with strong credit |
| FHA Loan | 31% | 43% | More flexible; up to 50% with compensating factors |
| VA Loan | N/A | 41% | No front-end limit; residual income also considered |
| USDA Loan | 29% | 41% | For rural areas; income limits apply |
| Jumbo Loan | 28% | 43% | Stricter requirements; excellent credit needed |
| Auto Loan | N/A | 50% | Varies by lender; 36-50% typical range |
| Personal Loan | N/A | 40% | Unsecured; varies widely by lender |
How to Improve Your DTI Ratio
Pay down credit cards
Focus on high-interest cards first or use the snowball method
Refinance existing loans
Lower interest rates can reduce monthly payments
Avoid new debt
Don't open new credit accounts before applying for loans
Negotiate a raise
Even small increases help improve your ratio
Start a side business
Additional income sources count toward your total
Add a co-borrower
Spouse's income can be included in calculations