DTI Mortgage Calculator — Debt-to-Income Ratio & Prequalification Estimator
Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt payments to gross income — lenders use it for mortgage prequalification. With $95,000 annual income ($7,917/month gross), $450 in monthly debts, and $2,200 proposed PITI, front-end DTI is about 27.8% and back-end DTI is about 33.5%, within typical 28/36 guidelines. Enter your numbers to check affordability before applying.
Car loans, student loans, credit cards, etc.
Prequalification Estimate
Within typical DTI limits
- Front-End DTI
- 27.8%
- Back-End DTI
- 33.5%
- Max Affordable PITI
- $2,217
- Gross Monthly Income
- $7,917
Your Ratios vs the 28/36 Guideline
| Ratio | Your ratio | Typical limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front-end (housing) | 27.8% | 28% | Within limit |
| Back-end (all debt) | 33.5% | 36% | Within limit |
Methodology and limitations
Last reviewed:
Methodology
Computes front-end and back-end DTI from gross income, debts, and proposed PITI.
Limitations
Planning only. Lender program limits and automated underwriting vary.
Official sources
How to Use the DTI Mortgage Calculator — Debt-to-Income Ratio & Prequalification Estimator
Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt payments to gross income — lenders use it for mortgage prequalification. With $95,000 annual income ($7,917/month gross), $450 in monthly debts, and $2,200 proposed PITI, front-end DTI is about 27.8% and back-end DTI is about 33.5%, within typical 28/36 guidelines. Enter your numbers to check affordability before applying.
Method used
Calculates front-end and back-end DTI from gross income, monthly debts, and proposed PITI.
Practical example
Example: $95,000 income, $450 debts, $2,200 PITI — check 28/36 ratios.
What this includes
- Shows front-end and back-end DTI percentages.
- Uses 28/36 default planning thresholds.
What this excludes
- Planning only — not lender pre-approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What DTI do I need for a mortgage?
Many lenders prefer front-end DTI (housing only) at or below 28% and back-end DTI (all debts plus housing) at or below 36%. FHA may allow higher back-end ratios with compensating factors; conventional loans often cap near 43-50% with strong credit. This calculator uses 28/36 as default planning thresholds — your lender's exact limits may differ.
What counts toward debt-to-income ratio?
Back-end DTI includes proposed mortgage payment (PITI), car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, child support, and other recurring debts on your credit report. Utilities, insurance premiums paid separately, and groceries are not counted. Use minimum credit card payments unless your lender instructs otherwise.
What is front-end vs back-end DTI?
Front-end DTI is housing cost divided by gross monthly income. Back-end DTI adds all other monthly debt obligations to housing cost, then divides by income. Lenders evaluate both. A low front-end ratio leaves room for property tax increases; a low back-end ratio signals capacity for other financial goals beyond the mortgage.
Is this the same as mortgage pre-approval?
No. Pre-approval requires credit pull, income documentation, asset verification, and lender underwriting. This calculator is a self-service prequalification estimate using the ratios you enter. Use it to set a realistic price range before submitting a full application and to see how paying down debts improves borrowing power.
How can I lower my DTI for a mortgage?
Pay down revolving balances to reduce minimum payments, avoid new debt before applying, increase documented income, or choose a less expensive home to lower PITI. Adding a co-borrower can also help. Run scenarios here by adjusting proposed PITI and monthly debts to find a target payment that meets lender ratio guidelines.