Calculate Debt to Income Ratio for Mortgage
Lenders look at two ratios: housing costs ÷ gross monthly income (front-end) and all monthly debt payments ÷ income (back-end). Enter your gross income, the new house payment and your other debts.
- Back-end DTI (all debts)
- 36%
- Front-end DTI (housing only)
- 28%
- Assessment
- Strong — within the classic 28/36 guideline
- Max housing payment at 28%
- $2,100.00
- Max total debts at 36%
- $2,700.00
Steps
- ($2,100.00 + $600.00) ÷ $7,500.00 × 100 = 36%
Worked example
Example: $7,500 income, $2,100 house payment, $600 other debts
- Front-end = 2,100 ÷ 7,500 = 28%
- Back-end = (2,100 + 600) ÷ 7,500 = 36%
28/36 — right at the classic guideline.
Formula
Front-end DTI = Housing payment ÷ Gross monthly income × 100
Back-end DTI = (Housing + Other debts) ÷ Gross monthly income × 100
Count minimum payments on credit cards, car loans, student loans, child support and other loans. Don't include utilities, groceries or insurance (other than in the housing payment).
Frequently asked questions
What DTI do I need for a mortgage?
Conventional loans often allow up to 45–50% with strong credit; FHA up to about 50%; 43% is a common qualified-mortgage benchmark.
Is DTI based on gross or net income?
Gross (before-tax) monthly income.
How can I lower my DTI?
Pay down revolving balances, avoid new loans before applying, or add a co-borrower's income.
Is this financial advice?
No. Results are estimates for planning and education. Rates, taxes and lender rules vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed financial professional.
Last reviewed October 17, 2026 · Calculations run in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to a server.