⚖️ Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Lenders look at two ratios: the front-end ratio (housing costs divided by gross monthly income) and the back-end ratio (all monthly debts divided by income). Most mortgage programs want the back-end ratio at or under 43 to 45 percent.
Include every recurring debt: car loans, student loans, credit card minimums and child support, not just the mortgage. A lower ratio means cheaper borrowing and more breathing room.
How to use this calculator
Enter your monthly housing payment, your other monthly debts and your gross monthly income to get your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios.
- Type your Monthly housing payment (rent or mortgage).
- Add your Other monthly debt payments like loans and card minimums.
- Enter your Gross monthly income before tax.
- Press Calculate to see both DTI ratios and what is left of your income.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?
The front-end ratio counts housing costs only, while the back-end ratio counts every monthly debt. Lenders weigh the back-end ratio most when approving a mortgage.
What ratios do lenders like to see?
Many mortgage programs cap the back-end ratio around 43 to 45 percent, and prefer the front-end ratio near 28 percent or lower. Lower is always stronger.
Can you give an example?
With a $1,500 housing payment, $600 of other debts and $8,000 of monthly income, the front-end DTI is 18.75% and the back-end DTI is 26.25%.
Which debts should I include?
Every recurring obligation: car and student loans, credit card minimums, child support and alimony, plus the housing payment itself.