Debt to Income Ratio Calculator - Mortgage DTI
Calculate back-end DTI from gross monthly income, housing, and recurring debts. Check mortgage qualification before you apply.
Enter gross monthly income, housing costs, other debt payments, and any additional monthly debts to see back-end DTI.
About the debt to income ratio calculator
Debt-to-income ratio examples
Back-end DTI is all listed monthly debts divided by gross monthly income.
| Inputs | DTI | Note |
|---|---|---|
| $6,000 income; $1,800 housing; $400 other debts | 36.67% | A common conventional back-end target zone. |
| $8,000 income; $2,000 housing; $500 other debts | 31.25% | More income relative to debts; stronger qualification picture. |
| $5,000 income; $1,500 housing; $700 debts; $100 additional | 46.00% | Above many conventional guidelines; may need a different program or less housing. |
How to calculate debt-to-income ratio
- Enter gross monthly income before tax, using the amount a lender would count.
- Enter housing expense (rent or proposed PITI and HOA).
- Enter other recurring debt payments and any additional monthly debts.
- Select Calculate DTI and compare the percent with the loan program’s maximum.
Debt-to-income ratio FAQ
What DTI do mortgage lenders want?
Many conventional files aim for back-end DTI at or below about 36% to 43%. FHA, VA, and automated underwriting can allow higher with strong compensating factors. Ask the program, not a single internet cutoff.
Is this front-end or back-end DTI?
Back-end: housing plus other debts plus additional. Front-end is housing divided by income only. Set other debts and additional to zero if you want a front-end view.
Should I use net or gross income?
Use gross monthly income. Net (take-home) pay is smaller, so DTI would look worse than the underwriter’s ratio and is not how QM and GSE guidelines are written.
Do credit-card balances count at the full balance?
No. Underwriters usually count the reported minimum payment, not the whole balance. Paying down the card helps DTI only if that minimum falls on the next report.
Are utilities and groceries included?
No. DTI is recurring debt payments, not a household budget. Utilities, food, and childcare matter for residual-income tests (especially VA) but are not in this ratio.