Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Calculate your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios using CFPB lender thresholds. See your rating, maximum affordable mortgage, and remaining headroom for additional debt.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good DTI ratio?
Below 36% is generally considered healthy and most lenders will approve at standard rates. 36–43% is acceptable and within FHA limits. 43–50% is high — qualifying for new credit gets difficult. Above 50% is a warning sign that most monthly income is committed to debt service, leaving little for emergencies or savings.
What's the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?
Front-end DTI is housing payment divided by gross income. Conventional lenders prefer it under 28%. Back-end DTI is ALL monthly debt payments (housing plus car, student loans, credit card minimums, etc.) divided by gross income. Conventional mortgages prefer back-end under 36%; FHA loans cap most borrowers around 43%. Some lenders look only at back-end since it captures total debt burden.
Does DTI affect my credit score?
Directly, no — DTI is calculated from income, and credit bureaus do not have your income. Indirectly, yes — high DTI usually correlates with high credit utilization on revolving accounts, which does hurt your score. Lenders pull DTI separately during underwriting, so a 750+ credit score and 55% DTI can still be denied.
What debts count toward DTI?
Recurring monthly obligations: mortgage or rent (with property tax, insurance, HOA if escrowed), car payments, student loans, personal loans, credit card minimums, alimony, child support. NOT counted: utilities, groceries, gas, insurance premiums you pay separately, monthly subscriptions, taxes. Lenders use the minimum required payment on credit cards even if you typically pay in full.
How can I lower my DTI?
Two levers: increase income (raise, side gig, second earner on the loan) or decrease debt. Paying off the smallest balance often moves the needle fastest because it eliminates a full monthly payment. Refinancing into a longer term lowers monthly payments and DTI but increases lifetime interest. Avoid taking on new debt for 6–12 months before applying for a mortgage.