How to Calculate Debt-to-Income Ratio
What is Debt-to-Income Ratio?
The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio measures monthly debt payments as a percentage of gross monthly income. Lenders use DTI to assess creditworthiness for mortgages and loans.
Formula
DTI = (monthly_debt_payments / gross_monthly_income) × 100%
- debt
- Monthly debt payments ($) — All required monthly debt payments
- income
- Gross income ($) — Total monthly income before taxes
- DTI
- Debt-to-income ratio (%) — Percentage of income going to debt
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1DTI = (Total Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Income) × 100
- 2Include all minimum debt payments: mortgage, car, student loans, credit cards
- 3Gross income = before tax income
- 4Front-end DTI = housing costs only; Back-end DTI = all debts
Worked Examples
Input
$1,500 debts, $6,000 income
Result
DTI 25% — Good (lender friendly)
Input
$2,500 debts, $6,000 income
Result
DTI 41.7% — Borderline for mortgage
Input
$500 debts, $5,000 income
Result
DTI 10% — Excellent
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good debt-to-income ratio?
Below 36%: excellent. 36–43%: acceptable (required for many mortgages). Above 43%: risky, may prevent borrowing.
What counts as debt?
Mortgage, car loans, student loans, credit cards, personal loans, child support. Not: rent, utilities, insurance.
How does DTI affect mortgage approval?
Most lenders allow max 43–50% DTI for mortgages. Lower DTI = better rates and approval odds.
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