Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator: How to Calculate DTI for Mortgage 2025
Quick Answer: Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) = Total monthly debt payments ÷ Gross monthly income. Most lenders require DTI below 43% for conventional loans, though some allow up to 50%. A lower DTI = higher approval odds and better rates.
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the most important numbers in mortgage lending. It determines whether you qualify for a loan, how much you can borrow, and what interest rate you'll get.
Yet most borrowers have no idea what their DTI is or how to calculate it. This guide will show you exactly how to calculate your DTI, what lenders are looking for, and proven strategies to improve it if needed.
Ready to see how your DTI affects your mortgage approval? Get pre-approved and see your maximum loan amount based on your DTI – takes 2 minutes.
🎯 What is Debt-to-Income Ratio?
Simple Definition
DTI = (Total Monthly Debt Payments) ÷ (Gross Monthly Income) × 100
Example: If you earn $5,000/month and have $1,500 in debt payments, your DTI = 30%
What it means: Lenders use DTI to determine how much of your income goes to debt. The lower your DTI, the more likely you are to repay the mortgage.
📊 DTI Tiers
Excellent: 0-20%
Very low debt, easy approval
Good: 21-36%
Lender's preferred range
Acceptable: 37-43%
Most lenders approve here
High: 44-50%
Difficult approval, higher rates
Very High: 50%+
Likely rejection
💰 DTI by Loan Type
Conventional Loans
Maximum DTI: 43-45%
FHA Loans
Maximum DTI: 43-50%
VA Loans
Maximum DTI: 41-60%
USDA Loans
Maximum DTI: 41-43%
Jumbo Loans
Maximum DTI: 36-40%
📐 How to Calculate Your DTI (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Calculate Your Gross Monthly Income
Include:
- Salary/wages (before taxes)
- Bonuses (if consistent)
- Self-employment income
- Rental income
- Alimony/child support received
- Investment income
Example: $5,000/month
Step 2: List All Monthly Debt Payments
Include:
- Car loans
- Student loans
- Credit card minimum payments
- Personal loans
- Child support/alimony
- Medical debt payments
- Current mortgage (if applicable)
Example: $1,500/month
Step 3: Add Estimated New Mortgage Payment
Include:
- Principal + Interest
- Property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- HOA fees (if applicable)
- PMI (if down payment < 20%)
Example: $2,000/month (estimated)
Step 4: Calculate Total Monthly Debt
Current debt + New mortgage payment
$1,500 + $2,000 = $3,500/month
Step 5: Divide by Gross Income
Total Debt ÷ Gross Income × 100
($3,500 ÷ $5,000) × 100 = 70%
⚠️ This DTI is TOO HIGH! Most lenders max at 43%.
💰 Real Examples: DTI Calculations
✅ Example 1: Good DTI (35%)
Income:
- Salary: $6,000
- Bonus: $500
- Total: $6,500
Monthly Debts:
- Car loan: $400
- Student loans: $200
- Credit cards: $100
- New mortgage: $1,500
- Total: $2,200
DTI = ($2,200 ÷ $6,500) × 100 = 33.8%
✅ EXCELLENT! Well below 43% threshold. Easy approval.
⚠️ Example 2: Borderline DTI (42%)
Income:
- Salary: $5,000
- Total: $5,000
Monthly Debts:
- Car loan: $350
- Student loans: $400
- Credit cards: $150
- New mortgage: $1,600
- Total: $2,500
DTI = ($2,500 ÷ $5,000) × 100 = 50%
⚠️ TOO HIGH! Most lenders reject at 50%. Need to improve.
❌ Example 3: High DTI (58%)
Income:
- Salary: $4,500
- Total: $4,500
Monthly Debts:
- Car loan: $500
- Student loans: $600
- Credit cards: $300
- New mortgage: $1,400
- Total: $2,800
DTI = ($2,800 ÷ $4,500) × 100 = 62%
❌ REJECTION! Way above 43% threshold. Must improve significantly.
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📈 How to Improve Your DTI
1. Pay Down Debt
Pay off credit cards, car loans, or student loans. Each $100/month reduction = 1-2% DTI improvement.
2. Increase Income
Ask for a raise, get a second job, or include spouse's income. Each $500/month increase = 1-2% DTI improvement.
3. Lower Your Mortgage Payment
Look for cheaper homes, increase down payment, or get a longer loan term (30-year vs 15-year).
4. Get a Co-Signer
A co-signer's income counts toward qualification. Their income can lower your combined DTI.
5. Wait & Build Credit
Wait 6-12 months while paying down debt and building income. Your DTI will naturally improve.
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