Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Work out your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio: total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income, compared with the limits mortgage lenders use.
Last updated: October 2026
Debt-to-Income Ratio
30 %
This calculator gives an estimate for general information only. It is not financial, tax or investment advice. Check the figures with a qualified professional before making decisions, and follow the rules that apply where you live.
Formula below · 2 sources (files.consumerfinance.gov, selling-guide.fanniemae.com) · Updated Oct 2026
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About this calculator
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the share of your gross monthly income that goes to debt payments:
DTI = total monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income × 100
Lenders use it to judge whether you can take on a new payment. Count the minimum required payments on every debt: rent or the mortgage payment you will have (including property tax, insurance and HOA dues), car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, and child support or alimony. Do not count utilities, groceries, phone bills or insurance premiums that are not part of a housing payment. Gross income is income before taxes and deductions.
What lenders accept
For conventional mortgages, Fannie Mae's maximum is 36% for manually underwritten loans, up to 45% with strong credit and reserves, and 50% through its automated underwriting system. The well-known 43% figure comes from the CFPB's original qualified-mortgage rule; since 2021 the general QM rule uses a price test instead, but many lenders still treat 43% as a soft line. Some lenders also look at a front-end ratio, housing costs alone divided by income.
This is an estimate, not financial advice. Each lender sets its own limits.
| Rule | Maximum total DTI |
|---|---|
| Fannie Mae, manually underwritten loans | 36% |
| Fannie Mae, manual with credit score and reserve requirements met | 45% |
| Fannie Mae, Desktop Underwriter (automated) | 50% |
| CFPB general qualified mortgage, 2014 to 2021 (now a price test) | 43% |
How to use
Add up your monthly debt payments and enter the total, then enter your gross monthly income. If you are paid yearly, divide your salary by 12. Example (the defaults): $1,800 of monthly debt payments on $6,000 of gross monthly income gives 1,800 ÷ 6,000 × 100 = 30%, under the 36% conventional limit. Adding a $450 car payment raises the debt to $2,250 and the DTI to 37.5%, which is over 36% and would need compensating factors for a manually underwritten Fannie Mae loan.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Lower is better. 36% or less fits Fannie Mae's standard limit for manually underwritten mortgages. Up to 45% can be accepted with strong credit and reserves, and automated underwriting can approve up to 50%. Above 50% few lenders will approve a new loan.
Which payments count as debt?
Recurring obligations a lender sees on your credit report or application: housing payment, car, student and personal loans, minimum credit card payments, and court-ordered support. Living costs such as utilities, food and phone bills do not count.
Is DTI based on gross or net income?
Gross income, before taxes and deductions. That is why a DTI that looks comfortable on paper can feel tight in your actual budget.
How can I lower my DTI?
Pay down or pay off a debt with a monthly payment, avoid new loans before applying, or increase documented income. Paying off a small loan entirely removes its whole payment from the calculation.
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