DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO CALCULATOR
Estimate your housing and total DTI to see if you’re mortgage-ready.
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Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator: See Where You Stand
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the most important factors mortgage lenders use to determine how much house you can afford — and whether you qualify for a loan. This free Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator helps you estimate both your housing (front-end) DTI and total (back-end) DTI, based on your monthly income and recurring debt payments.
If you’re buying a home in Ohio or just starting to explore your options, understanding your DTI is a smart first step.
How This DTI Calculator Works
Just enter two numbers:
- Your gross monthly income (before taxes)
- Your monthly debt payments (loans, credit cards, child support, etc.)
You’ll get two results:
- Housing DTI (Front-End Ratio): Your projected mortgage payment divided by your gross income
- Total DTI (Back-End Ratio): Your total debts + mortgage payment divided by your gross income
The calculator instantly shows where you land — and whether your DTI falls within common lending guidelines.
What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a measure of how much of your income goes toward monthly debt payments. It helps lenders assess your ability to take on a mortgage without becoming financially overextended.
DTI is always expressed as a percentage:
DTI = Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Income
Lenders typically look at two types of DTI: front-end and back-end.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau also offers a clear explanation of how DTI is calculated and why it matters.
The Two Types of DTI Ratios
1. Front-End DTI (Housing Ratio)
This ratio includes only your projected monthly housing expenses:
- Principal & interest
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Mortgage insurance
- HOA fees (if applicable)
2. Back-End DTI (Total Ratio)
This includes everything in the front-end ratio plus:
- Car loans
- Student loans
- Credit card payments
- Personal loans
- Child support or alimony
What Is a Good Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Typical DTI limits vary depending on the loan program:
| LOAN TYPE | MAX DTI (Back End) |
| Conventional | 45% (sometimes up to 50%) |
| FHA Loans | 43% (sometimes up to 56.9%) |
| VA Loans | 45% (flexible) |
| USDA Loans | 41% (sometimes up to 46%) |
That said, a DTI under 36% is generally considered strong.
Why Your DTI Matters
Even if you have great credit and a solid down payment, your DTI can make or break your mortgage approval. Lenders want to ensure you can comfortably afford the loan — and that you’re not over-leveraged.
This Debt Ratio Calculator helps you:
- Know what loan types may fit your profile
- Determine how close you are to qualifying
- See how much room you have in your budget for a mortgage payment
Need help calculating a comfortable price range? Try the Affordability Calculator.
A Trusted Resource for Ohio Homebuyers
I’m T.C. Strait, a licensed mortgage broker based in Ohio with over 20 years of experience helping homebuyers navigate the numbers behind homeownership. Whether you’re applying for your first mortgage or trying to qualify for more home, I can help you evaluate your DTI and recommend options that make sense.
Here’s what one recent client had to say:
“T.C. helped us understand our numbers in a way that no one else did. He made what seemed complicated feel simple, and we felt 100% confident by the time we made an offer.”
If you’re not sure whether your DTI will qualify — or how to improve it — I’d be happy to walk you through it.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator Frequently Asked Questions
What is a debt-to-income ratio?
DTI is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward monthly debt payments. It’s a key part of mortgage qualification.
How is the debt-to-income ratio calculated?
Add up your recurring monthly debts, divide that number by your gross monthly income, and multiply by 100 to get a percentage.
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Under 36% is considered ideal, but some loan programs allow DTIs up to 50%. The lower your DTI, the better your loan terms may be.
What’s included in my monthly debts?
Any recurring obligation that appears on your credit report — credit cards, auto loans, student loans, and child support — is usually counted.
Can I still qualify with a high DTI?
Possibly. Loan type, credit score, down payment, and reserves all play a role. Reach out for a personalized assessment.
Want Help Evaluating Your DTI?
If you’re unsure whether your DTI qualifies you for a mortgage — or you’re not sure how to lower it — I’m here to help. Let’s run the numbers together and see what options are available.