Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
See what share of your income goes to debt each month — the number lenders check first.
How to use the Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
- Add up your fixed monthly debt payments — loans, cards, mortgage or rent.
- Enter that total as your monthly debt.
- Enter your gross monthly income, before tax.
- See your DTI ratio and how lenders are likely to view it.
DTI = (Total monthly debt ÷ Gross monthly income) × 100
About the Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Your debt-to-income ratio is the single number lenders look at hardest when they decide whether to lend and on what terms. It is simply your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income, expressed as a percentage. This calculator works it out and tells you which band you fall into — a DTI at or below 36% is generally seen as healthy, up to around 43% is often still acceptable for a mortgage, and higher than that starts to worry lenders and squeeze your own budget.
Two people on the same salary can have very different ratios, because DTI is about commitments, not income alone. Paying off a card or a car loan drops the ratio immediately, which is often the fastest way to improve a borrowing position before applying for a mortgage. Seeing the income you have left after debt also makes clear how much room you really have for a new payment.
Include the recurring debts lenders count — loan and card minimums, and either rent or the mortgage — but not everyday living costs like groceries or utilities, which are not part of the standard ratio. Once you know your DTI, the home affordability calculator turns it into a price, and the credit card payoff calculator shows how fast clearing a balance moves it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Below 36% is generally considered healthy. Many mortgage lenders will go up to about 43%, and some higher with strong credit, but the lower your ratio the better your terms and the more comfortable your budget.
Which debts should I include?
Include recurring debt payments: loan and credit-card minimums, and your rent or mortgage. Leave out variable living costs such as food, fuel and utilities, which are not part of the standard DTI calculation.
Should I use gross or net income?
Use gross income — your pay before tax and deductions. That is the figure lenders use for DTI, so it keeps your ratio comparable to what they will calculate.