Debt-to-Income (DTI) Calculator
Lenders divide your monthly debts by your gross monthly income. The front-end ratio looks at housing alone; the back-end ratio — the one that quietly decides many approvals — adds every other monthly debt on top.
Your monthly numbers
Before taxes, as lenders generally use it.Your ratios
Front-end ratio (housing / income):
Back-end ratio (all debts / income):
Plain read: the 43% working cap below is an estimate, not a program limit. Some programs allow higher ratios with compensating factors; others require lower. Douglas reviews your full file.
Total monthly debts counted:
How this calculator works
Front-end DTI is your housing payment divided by gross monthly income. Back-end DTI adds car, card, student and other monthly debts, then divides by the same income. Use minimum required payments, not balances. Note revised November 2026.
Lower your DTI before you apply
Paying down a card or a small loan can move the back-end ratio more than a small change in house price. Ask Douglas which debt, if any, is worth paying off first — paying the wrong one can reduce cash you need for closing.
A lower housing payment helps too: a smaller price, a larger down payment, or a different program can all change the front-end number.
What doesn’t count as a debt
Groceries, utilities, streaming, subscriptions and other living costs are not counted as debts for DTI, even though they affect your budget. Childcare is usually not a DTI debt either, unless a court-ordered support payment applies.
What does count: installment loans, revolving minimums, student loans, alimony, child support and any housing payment you will carry.
All Calculators
Compare payment, closing cost and VA buy-power estimates.
VA Buy Power Calculator
For veterans: see how much home your VA benefit can support.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good DTI?
Lower is generally stronger. Many lenders work around a 43% back-end cap as a starting point, but the right target depends on program, credit and reserves.
Front-end vs. back-end: which matters more?
Both are reviewed, but the back-end ratio usually decides approvals because it includes every debt, not just housing.
Do I use gross or take-home pay?
Gross monthly income, before taxes, as lenders generally calculate it.
Do credit card balances count, or just minimums?
Minimum required payments count for DTI, not the full balance.
Will paying off a car loan always help?
It lowers back-end DTI, but it also uses cash. Ask Douglas before paying anything off ahead of an application.
Is this an approval?
No. This is a planning estimate only and is not a commitment to lend or a guarantee of financing.
You work directly with Douglas — no call center, no hand-offs.
“If you’re a veteran looking to buy a home, I can’t recommend Douglas highly enough. As a fellow Marine veteran, he truly understands every aspect of the VA home loan process and knows how to navigate it from start to finish. His knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to serving veterans are second to none. What really sets Douglas apart is that he’s much more than just a mortgage loan officer. He works seamlessly with your real estate agent to make sure everyone is aligned and the entire process runs smoothly. You never feel like you’re just another transaction. The best part is that once you become part of Douglas’s ecosystem, you never really leave it. He continues to be a trusted resource long after closing, providing guidance, connections, and support whenever you need it. It’s not just a mortgage—it’s a lifelong relationship and an incredible asset to have in your corner. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about your success and has the expertise to get the job done right, Douglas is the person to call. Semper Fi!” — Jason Haglund, July 31, 2026
Have Douglas Review My Numbers
Equal Housing Opportunity. Mortgage services are provided by Douglas Wilkerson, Branch Manager and Mortgage Broker with Edge Home Finance Corporation. Loan programs, rates, eligibility, underwriting guidelines and availability are subject to change. All applications are subject to credit review, verification, property eligibility, applicable underwriting requirements and final approval. This website does not constitute a commitment to lend or a guarantee of financing.