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Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your DTI ratio — a critical metric for mortgage and loan qualification.

Monthly Debt Payments

Front-End DTI (Housing)

30.0%

Fair (30.0% vs 28% guideline)

Back-End DTI (Total)

43.3%

High (43.3% vs 36% guideline)

Debt CategoryMonthly ($)% of Income
Gross Monthly Income$6,000100%
Housing$1,80030.0%
Car Loan$4006.7%
Credit Cards$1001.7%
Student Loan$3005.0%
Total Monthly Debt$2,60043.3%

28/36 Rule

Lenders generally prefer a front-end DTI ≤ 28% (housing costs) and back-end DTI ≤ 36% (all debt). Your front-end is 30.0% and back-end is 43.3%. Consider reducing debt or increasing income to qualify for better rates.

Researched by CentCalc Financial Editorial TeamData: 28/36 qualifying ratio (Fannie/Freddie convention)

How This Is Calculated

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income, then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage.

Front-end DTI (housing ratio) = housing costs ÷ gross monthly income. Housing costs include mortgage principal & interest, property tax, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees. Lenders typically want this below 28%.

Back-end DTI = all monthly debt obligations ÷ gross monthly income. This includes housing costs plus car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, and child support. The conventional guideline is 36% or less (the "28/36 rule").

DTI is one of the most important factors lenders evaluate. It measures your capacity to take on new debt. A lower DTI signals that you have sufficient income to cover your existing obligations plus a new loan payment.

DTI = monthly debt payments / gross monthly income × 100. 28/36 rule: front-end ≤28%, back-end ≤36% for conventional loans. FHA: front-end ≤31%, back-end ≤43%.

See our full methodology for every formula, data source, and assumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What DTI ratio do I need for a mortgage?
Most conventional lenders prefer a front-end DTI of 28% or less and a back-end DTI of 36% or less — known as the 28/36 rule. FHA loans allow up to 31% front-end and 43% back-end (or up to 50% back-end with compensating factors: 680+ FICO or 2+ months of cash reserves).
How can I lower my debt-to-income ratio?
Two ways: increase income or decrease debt. Pay off credit cards, personal loans, or car loans to reduce monthly obligations. Avoid taking on new debt. Increasing income through a raise, side job, or additional income sources also lowers DTI.
What is the difference between front-end and back-end DTI?
Front-end DTI includes only housing-related costs: mortgage principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and HOA fees. Back-end DTI includes all monthly debt obligations: housing costs plus car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, and child support.
What debts are included in DTI?
DTI includes: mortgage or rent payments, car loans, student loans, credit card minimum payments, personal loans, child support/alimony, and any other recurring debt obligations. It does not include utilities, groceries, or other living expenses.

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Estimates only. Lender requirements vary. DTI is one of the primary factors in loan qualification alongside credit score, assets, and employment history. Consult a mortgage professional.