Mortgage Debt-to-Income (DTI) Calculator

Beginner Guide:
Lenders check two ratios:
Front-End DTI → Housing cost only (PITI)
Back-End DTI → Housing + all other debts
Results update instantly as you type.

Select Currency

Gross Monthly Income

Housing Costs (PITI)

Other Monthly Debts

Proposed New Loan Payment

Target DTI / Required Income

Required monthly income to meet target DTI: 0

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Front-End DTI (Housing Only): 0%

0%

Total monthly debts 0
Mortgage payment 0
Remaining mo. income 0
Mortgage Calculators
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Calculator

Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Calculator for Mortgage, Home Equity & Loan Approval

If you are planning to apply for a mortgage, refinance, home equity loan, or HELOC, your debt to income ratio is one of the first numbers lenders check. Even with good credit, a high DTI can limit approval or reduce how much you qualify for.

Our debt to income ratio calculator is built to help you calculate DTI the same way lenders do, so you can see your real approval position before you apply.

This DTI calculator free tool shows:

  • Front end DTI
  • Back end DTI
  • Total monthly debt to income ratio
  • How a new loan payment changes eligibility

Use this DTI calculator for mortgage approval to avoid denials, surprises, and wasted applications.

What Is Debt to Income Ratio? (DTI Ratio Meaning)

Debt to income ratio shows what percentage of your gross monthly income goes toward debt payments. Lenders use this number to decide whether your income can support another loan.

If you’re wondering what is debt to income ratio or how lenders judge affordability, DTI is the answer.

Debt to Income Ratio Formula

DTI (%) = (Total Monthly Debt ÷ Gross Monthly Income) × 100

This is the same formula used by: Mortgage lenders, Banks and credit unions, FHA, VA, and USDA programs, Home equity and HELOC underwriters. Our DTI ratio calculator applies this exact calculation, no estimates, no assumptions.

Front End DTI vs Back End DTI (Compare Front End vs Back End DTI)

Understanding front end DTI and back end DTI is critical for loan approval.

Front End DTI (Housing Only)

Front end DTI measures housing costs only, including: Principal and interest, Property taxes, Homeowners insurance, HOA fees.

Front end DTI formula: Housing Costs ÷ Gross Monthly Income

Most lenders prefer a front end DTI below 28%. Our front end DTI calculator shows this clearly.

Back End DTI (Total Debt)

Back end DTI includes all monthly debt obligations, such as: Housing (PITI), Car loans, Student loans, Credit card minimum payments, Personal loans, Alimony or child support, Proposed new loan payments.

Back end DTI is the most important approval metric. Most lenders want back end DTI under 43%. Our back end DTI calculator shows how close you are to lender limits.

Debt to Income Ratio Example (Calculating DTI Ratio)

Debt to income ratio example:

  • Gross monthly income: $6,000
  • Mortgage (PITI): $1,600
  • Car loan: $400
  • Credit cards: $200
  • Total monthly debt: $2,200

DTI calculation: $2,200 ÷ $6,000 = 36.7%

This DTI would generally qualify for most conventional and government-backed loans. Our debt to income ratio checker runs this instantly.

Good DTI Ratio and Acceptable DTI Ratio for Lenders

DTI PercentageMeaning
Under 30%Excellent
30–36%Good DTI ratio
37–43%Acceptable DTI ratio lenders allow
Over 43%High risk
50%+Likely denial

If you’re asking is high DTI bad, the answer is yes, especially for mortgages. Our DTI ratio explained section helps you see where you stand.

DTI Limits by Loan Type (DTI for Mortgage Approval)

Loan ProgramFront EndBack End
Conventional~28%~43%
FHA31%43%+ with strong credit
VAFlexible~41% guideline
USDA~29%~41%

What Counts in DTI Calculation?

Included Debts

  • Mortgage or rent (yes, include rent in DTI)
  • Auto loans, Student loans
  • Credit card minimums
  • Personal loans, Alimony or child support

Not Included

  • Utilities, Groceries
  • Insurance premiums
  • Phone or internet, Entertainment expenses

Student Loans and DTI (Critical for Approval)

Student loans are often miscalculated. Lenders may: Use the actual payment, Apply a fixed percentage if deferred, or Treat income-based payments differently (especially FHA). Our debt to income calculator with student loans lets you test each scenario before applying.

How New Loans Affect DTI (Loan Eligibility What-If Tool)

A new car loan, personal loan, or refinance can instantly change approval. Use this tool to: Calculate DTI after new car loan, See impact of personal loan on DTI, Use a DTI calculator with proposed loan payment. This is a true how new loan affects DTI calculator, not a guess.

DTI vs Credit Score

You can have excellent credit and still be denied due to DTI. Credit score = how you pay. DTI = whether you can afford. Lenders prioritize affordability.

DTI for Home Equity Loans and HELOCs

DTI plays a major role in: DTI for home equity loan approval, HELOC limits, and Second mortgage eligibility. Pair this DTI tool with a home equity loan payment calculator, home equity line of credit (HELOC) calculator, or how much equity can I borrow calculator to estimate real eligibility.

How to Improve DTI (Low DTI Ratio Tips)

If your DTI is too high: Pay down high-interest debt, Avoid new loans, Refinance to lower payments, Add a qualified co-borrower. Even a 2–3% reduction can unlock approval.

Why Use This Debt to Income Ratio Calculator?

  • ✔ Front end and back end DTI calculator
  • ✔ Accurate mortgage debt to income ratio
  • ✔ Works for FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
  • ✔ Supports proposed loans and what-if scenarios
  • ✔ Designed for real approval planning

Calculate Your DTI Now

Before applying for any mortgage, refinance, home equity loan, or HELOC, your DTI should be the first number you calculate. Use this debt to income ratio calculator to check eligibility, avoid denials, and apply with confidence.

👉 Calculate your DTI now and take control of your loan approval.

“Results are estimates; final approval depends on lender review.”

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