Debt, budgeting and life insurance
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Calculator
Work out your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratio and see how it compares with conventional (28/36), FHA (31/43) and Qualified Mortgage limits.
Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
EstimateHow This Calculator Works
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt payments with your gross monthly income. This calculator gives you two versions: front-end DTI (your housing payment divided by gross monthly income) and back-end DTI (all recurring monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income).
Mortgage lenders use DTI to decide whether you qualify. The conventional 28/36 guideline prefers a front-end DTI of 28% or less and a back-end DTI of 36% or less, while FHA loans usually look for a back-end DTI of 43% or less, and allow more with strong compensating factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which bills count toward my debt-to-income ratio?
Lenders count your recurring debt payments plus housing: the mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes and insurance, plus any HOA dues) or rent, auto loans, student loans, personal loans, minimum credit card payments, and court-ordered alimony or child support. Utilities, groceries, health insurance and taxes are not included.
What DTI do I need to buy a house?
A back-end DTI under 36% usually gets you the best conventional mortgage rates, though borrowers with strong credit and cash reserves can often qualify at 43% to 45%.
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