.dti-calc-wrapper {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
color: #333;
line-height: 1.6;
}
.dti-calculator {
background: #f9f9f9;
border: 1px solid #e0e0e0;
border-radius: 8px;
padding: 25px;
margin-bottom: 40px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 6px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);
}
.dti-header {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
}
.dti-header h3 {
margin: 0;
color: #2c3e50;
font-size: 24px;
}
.calc-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.calc-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.input-group {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.input-group label {
display: block;
margin-bottom: 5px;
font-weight: 600;
font-size: 14px;
color: #555;
}
.input-group input {
width: 100%;
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ccc;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
box-sizing: border-box;
}
.input-group .helper-text {
font-size: 12px;
color: #888;
margin-top: 4px;
}
.btn-calc {
background-color: #0073aa;
color: white;
border: none;
padding: 12px 25px;
font-size: 16px;
font-weight: bold;
border-radius: 4px;
cursor: pointer;
width: 100%;
margin-top: 10px;
transition: background-color 0.3s;
}
.btn-calc:hover {
background-color: #005177;
}
.results-area {
margin-top: 25px;
padding-top: 20px;
border-top: 2px solid #eee;
display: none;
}
.result-box {
background: #fff;
padding: 15px;
border-radius: 6px;
border-left: 5px solid #ccc;
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
.result-box.good { border-left-color: #46b450; background: #f0fdf4; }
.result-box.warn { border-left-color: #ffb900; background: #fffcf0; }
.result-box.bad { border-left-color: #dc3232; background: #fef2f2; }
.result-value {
font-size: 32px;
font-weight: bold;
color: #333;
}
.result-label {
font-size: 14px;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 0.5px;
color: #666;
}
.result-desc {
margin-top: 5px;
font-size: 14px;
}
.article-content h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #eee;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 30px;
}
.article-content ul {
background: #f4f4f4;
padding: 20px 40px;
border-radius: 6px;
}
.article-content li {
margin-bottom: 10px;
}
function calculateDTI() {
// Get inputs
var incomeInput = document.getElementById("annualIncome").value;
var rentInput = document.getElementById("monthlyRent").value;
var carInput = document.getElementById("monthlyCar").value;
var studentInput = document.getElementById("monthlyStudent").value;
var creditInput = document.getElementById("monthlyCredit").value;
var otherInput = document.getElementById("monthlyOther").value;
// Validate Income
if (!incomeInput || parseFloat(incomeInput) <= 0) {
alert("Please enter a valid Annual Gross Income.");
return;
}
// Parse values (default to 0 if empty)
var annualIncome = parseFloat(incomeInput);
var housing = rentInput ? parseFloat(rentInput) : 0;
var car = carInput ? parseFloat(carInput) : 0;
var student = studentInput ? parseFloat(studentInput) : 0;
var credit = creditInput ? parseFloat(creditInput) : 0;
var other = otherInput ? parseFloat(otherInput) : 0;
// Calculate Monthly Gross Income
var monthlyIncome = annualIncome / 12;
// Calculate Total Monthly Debt
var totalMonthlyDebt = housing + car + student + credit + other;
// Calculate Ratios
var dtiRatio = (totalMonthlyDebt / monthlyIncome) * 100;
var frontRatio = (housing / monthlyIncome) * 100;
// Display Results area
document.getElementById("dtiResults").style.display = "block";
// Update Values in DOM
document.getElementById("dtiValue").innerText = dtiRatio.toFixed(1) + "%";
document.getElementById("fedtiValue").innerText = frontRatio.toFixed(1) + "%";
// Determine Status and Styling for Back-End DTI
var dtiBox = document.getElementById("dtiBox");
var dtiMessage = document.getElementById("dtiMessage");
// Reset classes
dtiBox.className = "result-box";
if (dtiRatio 36 && dtiRatio 43 && dtiRatio <= 50) {
dtiBox.classList.add("bad");
dtiMessage.innerText = "High Risk. You may only qualify for FHA loans or specialized lending.";
dtiMessage.style.color = "#c62828";
} else {
dtiBox.classList.add("bad");
dtiMessage.innerText = "Critical. Most lenders will reject this ratio. Consider reducing debt.";
dtiMessage.style.color = "#c62828";
}
}
Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Calculator
Determine your eligibility for mortgages and loans.
Your total income before taxes.
Rent or projected mortgage payment.
Back-End Ratio (Total DTI)
–%
Front-End Ratio (Housing)
–%
Percentage of income going strictly to housing costs.
*Lenders generally look for a Back-End ratio below 43% and a Front-End ratio below 28%.
Understanding Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio
Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio is one of the most critical metrics lenders use to assess your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts. It acts as a snapshot of your financial health, comparing how much you owe against how much you earn.
The Difference Between Front-End and Back-End Ratios
When you apply for a mortgage, underwriters look at two specific calculations:
- Front-End Ratio: This calculation only considers your projected housing costs (mortgage principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA fees) divided by your gross monthly income. Lenders typically prefer this to be under 28%.
- Back-End Ratio: This is the number calculated above. It includes your housing costs plus all other recurring monthly debts like credit cards, student loans, and auto loans. Most Conventional loans require this to be under 43% (though exceptions exist up to 50% for FHA loans).
Why Is 43% the Magic Number?
In the world of Qualified Mortgages, 43% is generally the highest DTI ratio a borrower can have to get a Qualified Mortgage. While some lenders can offer loans with higher ratios, these often come with higher interest rates or stricter requirements regarding your credit score and cash reserves.
What Is Included in DTI?
Your DTI calculation includes recurring monthly debts, such as:
- Minimum credit card payments
- Car loans and leases
- Student loans
- Alimony or child support payments
- Personal loans
Note: It typically does not include monthly expenses like groceries, utilities, gas, or entertainment subscriptions. It focuses strictly on debt obligations.
How to Lower Your DTI Ratio
If your calculator result is in the "High Risk" or "Critical" zone, you can improve your standing by:
- Increasing Income: Taking on a side gig, asking for a raise, or including a co-borrower on the application.
- Paying Down Principal: Using the "snowball" or "avalanche" method to eliminate small monthly debts (like credit cards) entirely, rather than just paying part of the balance.
- Avoiding New Debt: Do not open new credit lines or finance large purchases before applying for a home loan.