Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments. Lenders use two DTI measures: front-end (housing only) and back-end (all debt). Most mortgage lenders require a back-end DTI below 43% to approve a loan. This calculator shows both ratios.
Back-End DTI:
Front-End DTI:
How to Use This Tool
Add up all your monthly debt payments (car loans, student loans, credit cards, minimums).
Enter your gross monthly income (before taxes).
Enter the proposed new mortgage payment if applicable.
Click Calculate to see your front-end and back-end DTI ratios.
The Formula
Front-end DTI = Housing Costs / Gross Monthly Income x 100. Back-end DTI = (All Debt Payments + Housing Costs) / Gross Monthly Income x 100. Lenders typically require back-end DTI <= 43% and front-end DTI <= 36%.
Why It Matters
You earn $8,000/month gross and have $1,500 in monthly debt payments. You found a home with a $1,800/month mortgage payment. Your back-end DTI would be 41.3% — just under the 43% threshold most lenders require. If you pay off your $5,000 credit card balance first, your DTI drops to 39.0% and you qualify for a larger loan.