Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Calculator: Understanding Your Borrowing Power
Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio is one of the most critical metrics lenders use to assess your financial health. Before approving a mortgage, auto loan, or personal loan, banks want to know how much of your monthly gross income goes toward paying existing debts. A lower DTI ratio generally signifies a good balance between debt and income, making you a more attractive borrower.
Use our specific DTI calculator below to determine your current ratio and understand where you stand financially.
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How to Interpret Your DTI Results
The calculator above sums your recurring monthly obligations (like rent, car payments, and student loans) and divides that total by your pre-tax monthly income. The resulting percentage is your DTI ratio.
- 36% or lower: This is generally considered an excellent range. Lenders view you as low risk, indicating you have sufficient disposable income to handle new debt.
- 37% to 43%: You fall into a "manageable" zone. While you can likely still get approved for a mortgage, you might face slightly higher interest rates or be required to provide additional documentation. 43% is often the highest DTI a borrower can have to get a Qualified Mortgage.
- 44% or higher: This range indicates financial distress to lenders. You might struggle to make monthly payments if emergencies arise. Getting approved for significant loans in this bracket is difficult without a co-signer or significant assets.
Note: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Lending criteria vary by institution and loan type.