Free Debt-to-Income Calculator
This free debt-to-income ratio calculator shows what share of your monthly income goes to debt payments, one of the first numbers a lender checks. Enter your monthly income and debt payments to see your DTI and where it stands.
Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Find out if you qualify for a mortgage, auto loan, or other major purchase based on your debt-to-income ratio.
Monthly Debt Payments
Calculations run in your browser. We don't store or share your numbers.
How to calculate debt-to-income ratio
Your debt-to-income ratio is your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross (pre-tax) monthly income, shown as a percentage. Include housing, minimum credit card payments, auto, student, and other loan payments. Lenders often also look at a front-end ratio (housing only) alongside this back-end ratio.
DTI % = (Total monthly debt payments ÷ Gross monthly income) × 100What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
- Under 36% is a common comfort zone many lenders like.
- 36% to 43% is often still workable, especially for well-qualified borrowers.
- Above 43% can make qualifying harder, and many mortgage programs use 43% as a reference point.
- These are general guidelines, not a lending decision; every lender sets its own criteria.
A quick example
If your gross monthly income is $6,000 and your monthly debt payments (rent or mortgage, car, minimums, student loans) total $2,100, your DTI is 35%. Lowering a payment or two, or raising income, moves that number down into a stronger range.
What the number is telling you
Common questions
Under 36% is a common target, and many mortgage programs reference 43% as an upper limit. Lower is generally better, but every lender sets its own criteria, so treat this as a guideline, not a decision.
Add up your total monthly debt payments and divide by your gross (pre-tax) monthly income, then multiply by 100. This calculator does the math for you.
For the back-end ratio most lenders use, your housing payment (rent or mortgage) is included along with your other debts.
Pay down or pay off a debt to remove its monthly payment, avoid taking on new debt before applying, or increase your income. Consolidating multiple payments into one lower payment can also help.
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on the information you enter and general industry standards. It is not financial advice, a lending decision, or a guarantee of approval or any outcome. Actual results depend on your complete financial profile and each lender's or creditor's own criteria. For personalized guidance, consult a financial professional or contact Mesa Group Consulting for a free consultation.