Debt-to-Income (DTI) Calculator
Estimate your DTI and see how paying down or removing debts affects eligibility. Educational only—not credit advice.
Income & Target
Monthly Debts
Current
Current debts
$3,900
Current DTI
39.0%
DTI (selected debts)
39.0%
Target
Max debts @ target
$3,600
Reduction needed
$300
Max new payment @ target
$0
Summary
Email my calculations
Receive a printable breakdown (PDF) to revisit your calculations later.
DTI budget comparison
See how your debts stack up against common lender targets.
DTI targets & headroom
| Target DTI | Max allowed debts | Max new payment | Reduction needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36% | $3,600 | $0 | $300 |
| 43% | $4,300 | $400 | $0 |
| 45% | $4,500 | $600 | $0 |
source: calestimator.com/debt-to-income-calculator
For education only; not credit advice.
How to use the Debt-to-Income Calculator
Quickly compute front-end and back-end ratios so you can see whether lenders will view your debt load as manageable.
- Enter your gross monthly income.
- List minimum payments for mortgages, car loans, credit cards, and other obligations.
- Add the prospective payment you are evaluating, such as a new mortgage or personal loan.
- Review the resulting ratios and compare them to program limits.
Debt-to-Income Calculator key terms
Knowing how each field influences the results keeps the math grounded in reality.
Front-end ratio
Monthly housing costs divided by gross income. Conventional mortgages prefer this below 28%.
Back-end ratio
All debt payments divided by gross income. Many lenders cap this at 36%–45% depending on credit profile.
Compensating factors
Cash reserves, high credit scores, or large down payments that can offset slightly higher ratios.
Debt-to-Income Calculator planning ideas
Try running a few “what if” scenarios to translate the numbers into real-world decisions.
Eliminate a payment
Model how paying off a credit card or auto loan frees up room for a new mortgage.
Co-borrower income
Add a partner’s wages to see how combined income changes eligibility.
Income volatility planning
Reduce income to simulate parental leave or commission slowdowns to ensure the payment remains safe.
Frequently asked questions
Do lenders use net or gross income?
Most mortgage and auto lenders rely on gross income before taxes. Self-employed borrowers may have additional adjustments, so consult the specific program guidelines.
How can I improve my debt-to-income ratio?
Increase income, pay down revolving balances, or extend the loan term to lower the proposed payment. The calculator helps you weigh each option.