DTI calculator.
Front-end and back-end debt-to-income for mortgage qualification.
Debt-to-income (DTI) calculator
Most lenders want back-end DTI under 43%. Some programs allow up to 50%+ with strong compensating factors.
Understanding DTI
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the primary factors lenders use to determine mortgage eligibility. DTI measures what percentage of your gross monthly income goes toward debt payments.
Front-end DTI (housing ratio): Proposed housing payment ÷ gross monthly income. Most lenders want this below 28–31%.
Back-end DTI (total debt ratio): All monthly debt payments (housing + car + credit cards + student loans + all other minimums) ÷ gross monthly income. This is the ratio most lenders focus on.
DTI guidelines by loan program
- Conventional: Up to 45–50% back-end (automated approval). Manual underwriting: 36–43%.
- FHA: Up to 50–57% with strong compensating factors (reserves, residual income, large down payment).
- VA: No hard cap — evaluated against residual income. DTI of 60%+ possible with strong residual income.
- USDA: Typically 41% back-end; automated approval can go higher.
- Jumbo: Most investors cap at 43% back-end, some to 45%.
A high DTI doesn't disqualify you automatically. Compensating factors — larger down payment, significant reserves, strong credit score, low LTV — can allow approval above standard limits on many programs.
Related: Affordability calculator · FHA loans · VA loans
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Real numbers from a licensed Colorado & Florida mortgage broker.