Debt-to-income ratio calculator
The share of your gross income that goes on debt payments.
About this calculator
This debt-to-income ratio calculator shows how much of your gross monthly income goes on debt payments. Lenders use your DTI to decide how much you can borrow, especially for a mortgage.
Enter your income before tax and your monthly payments for housing, car loans, student loans, card minimums and other debts. Everyday bills such as food and utilities are not included.
How it works
DTI is your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, times 100. The housing ratio counts only rent or the mortgage payment.
Last reviewed:
Worked example
- Gross monthly income: $6,500
- Rent or mortgage payment: $1,800 a month
- Car loans: $400 a month
- Student loans: $250 a month
- Credit card minimums: $100 a month
Debt-to-income ratio: 39.2% (Manageable, but lenders will look closely)
Common questions
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Many lenders like to see a DTI of 36% or less. Some mortgages allow up to 43% or more, but a lower ratio usually means better terms and more room in your budget.
Does DTI affect my credit score?
No. Your income isn't part of your credit report, so DTI doesn't change your score. Lenders look at both separately.
How can I lower my DTI?
Pay down balances, especially on cards and small loans, avoid new debt before you apply, or increase your income. Even one paid-off loan can make a clear difference.
Sources and further reading
The story behind it
Where the idea came from: The US qualified mortgage rules that took effect in 2014 used a 43% debt-to-income limit for many loans.
Lenders have long compared what you owe with what you earn, but the 2008 housing crash showed what happens when that check is skipped. New US rules then required lenders to confirm that borrowers could afford their loans, and a 43% ratio became a widely quoted line. This calculator gives you the same figure a lender will work out.
Why you can trust this calculator
- It runs in your browser. Nothing you type into it is sent anywhere.
- The method is explained on this page, so you can check it yourself.
- Free to use, with no sign-up.
- Results are estimates, not financial advice.
- Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll look into it.
After 15 years as a mathematics educator, I built CalculStore to give students, teachers, professionals and anyone working with numbers simple, reliable tools.
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