Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Calculator
Use this calculator to determine your Debt-to-Income ratio, a crucial metric lenders use to assess your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts. A lower DTI generally signifies a better balance between debt and income.
Monthly Income
Monthly Debt Obligations
Your Results
Total Monthly Debt: $0.00
Your DTI Ratio: 0.00%
Analysis:
Understanding Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio
Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio is a personal finance measure that compares the amount of debt you have to your overall income. Lenders, including mortgage lenders and credit card issuers, use this ratio to measure your ability to manage the monthly payments to repay the money you plan to borrow.
Why DTI Matters
A low DTI ratio demonstrates a good balance between debt and income. Conversely, a high DTI ratio can signal to lenders that you may have too much debt for the amount of income you earn. Generally, borrowers with lower DTI ratios are perceived as less risky, often resulting in better interest rates and higher chances of loan approval.
For qualified mortgages, the generally accepted maximum DTI ratio is 43%. While some lenders may accept higher ratios depending on other factors like credit score and cash reserves, staying below this threshold is crucial for most conventional loans.
A Realistic DTI Example
Let's calculate the DTI for an individual named Alex.
- Gross Monthly Income: $6,000
Monthly Debts:
- Rent: $1,500
- Car Loan: $400
- Student Loan: $300
- Credit Card Minimums: $200
- Total Monthly Debt: $2,400
To find Alex's DTI, we divide total monthly debt by gross monthly income:
$2,400 / $6,000 = 0.40
Convert to a percentage: 0.40 x 100 = 40% DTI.
In this scenario, Alex's 40% DTI is acceptable for most mortgage lenders, though it is nearing the typical 43% limit.
How to Lower Your DTI Ratio
If your calculator results show a high DTI, there are two main ways to improve it:
- Reduce Your Monthly Debt: Focus on paying off high-interest credit cards or refinancing loans to lower monthly payments. Avoid taking on new debt.
- Increase Your Gross Income: Consider ways to increase your earnings through a raise, a higher-paying job, or a side income. Note that lenders usually look for stable, documented income history.