Debt-to-Income Calculator
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the share of your gross monthly income that goes to debt payments. Lenders use it to judge whether you can afford a new loan. Enter your income and debts to see your DTI and how it compares with common guidelines.
Debt-to-Income Calculator
How this calculator works
Debt-to-income ratio compares the money you owe each month with the money you earn before tax. It is calculated as total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income, then multiplied by 100 to make a percentage. A DTI of 30% means 30 cents of every pre-tax dollar goes to debt payments.
Lenders look at DTI because it shows how much of your income is already committed. Two thresholds are widely cited: 36% is often described as comfortable, and 43% is commonly used as the maximum for a qualified mortgage. Individual lenders set their own limits, and they also weigh credit history, savings and the size of the down payment.
This tool uses only the income and debts you enter. It does not include taxes, living expenses or a specific lender's rules, so treat the result as a quick check rather than an approval decision.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as debt in a DTI calculation?
Minimum payments on credit cards, auto loans, student loans, personal loans, child support and the proposed new payment. Rent or a mortgage payment is also included by most lenders. Everyday living costs such as food and utilities are not.
Should I use gross or net income?
Use gross income — the amount before tax and deductions. Lenders generally work from gross monthly income, so using net pay would make your DTI look higher than they would calculate it.
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Many lenders treat 36% or below as comfortable and 43% as a common ceiling. Some loan programs allow higher ratios when other factors are strong, and some allow less.
Does paying off a card help my DTI immediately?
It can, because the minimum payment disappears from the calculation as soon as the balance is cleared and the account reports a zero payment. Closing the account, however, can reduce your available credit and may affect your credit score.
Is DTI the only thing lenders check?
No. Lenders also review credit history, income stability, employment, savings and the collateral where relevant. DTI is one important input, not the whole decision.
Check your rate with a lending partner in about two minutes. Checking does not affect your credit score.
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