Debt-to-Income (DTI) Calculator
See how your front-end and back-end DTI ratios stack up against what mortgage lenders look for — and whether your numbers leave room to qualify.
Income before taxes — combine all borrowers if applying jointly.
Principal + interest + property taxes + insurance (+ HOA/PMI if any).
Car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, child support.
Front-End DTI
24.7%
Looks good · guideline 28%
Back-End DTI
32.0%
Looks good · guideline 36%
How Your Numbers Compare to Lender Limits
| Conventional “28/36” rule | 28% front / 36% back |
| FHA (with strong file) | up to ~43–50% back |
| Your front-end ratio | 24.7% |
| Your back-end ratio | 32.0% |
What This Means
You're within the classic 36% back-end limit with about $300/moof breathing room before you hit it. That's a comfortable spot for most conventional lenders. Paying down a card or auto loan would push your ratio even lower.
Front-End vs. Back-End DTI, Explained
Your debt-to-income ratiois the single biggest lever underwriters pull when deciding whether you can afford a mortgage. It's just your monthly debt divided by your gross (pre-tax) monthly income.
- ✓ Front-end DTI counts only your future housing payment. Lenders like to see it at or under 28%.
- ✓ Back-end DTI adds in every other recurring debt — the number lenders weight most. 36% is the classic ceiling; FHA stretches further.
- ✓ Lower is always better. A lower DTI can mean a smoother approval and sometimes a better rate.
Lower Your DTI Before You Apply
- ✓ Pay off or pay down a small loan entirely — eliminating a payment helps more than shrinking a balance.
- ✓ Avoid opening new credit lines or financing a car in the months before applying.
- ✓ A larger down payment lowers your loan amount and your housing payment, dropping front-end DTI.
- ✓ Document side income, bonuses, or overtime — a higher qualifying income directly lowers both ratios.
Tightening your budget first? Our first-time homebuyer cost guide breaks down every line item, and the home affordability calculator turns your DTI into a target price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What DTI do I need to buy a house?
Most conventional lenders want a back-end DTI at or below 36%, though many approve up to 43–45% with strong credit and reserves. FHA loans regularly allow back-end ratios near 50% when the rest of your file is solid. The lower your DTI, the more options you have.
Does rent count in my DTI?
No. Your current rent goes away once you buy, so lenders replace it with your proposed mortgage payment (PITI). They don't add both. That's why this calculator asks for the new housing payment, not your current rent.
Which debts get included?
Lenders count minimum payments on car loans, student loans, credit cards, personal loans, and obligations like child support or alimony. They generally ignore utilities, groceries, insurance premiums (other than homeowners), and streaming subscriptions.
Is gross or net income used?
DTI uses gross monthly income — your pay before taxes and deductions. If you're self-employed, lenders typically average your qualifying income from the last two years of tax returns.
How fast can I improve my DTI?
Quickly. Paying off a single installment loan or a maxed-out card can drop your back-end ratio within one statement cycle. Because lenders look at minimum payments, eliminating a payment entirely moves the needle more than shaving a few dollars off several balances.