Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
Enter Your Financial Details
Monthly Debt Payments
Results
DTI Ratio
0.0%
Status
Total Monthly Debts
$0
Monthly Income
$5,000
DTI Ratio Guide
- ≤ 36%: Excellent - Ideal for most loans
- 37-43%: Good - Still acceptable for many loans
- 44-50%: Concerning - May face lending challenges
- > 50%: Poor - Serious financial risk
Debt Breakdown
Understanding Your Debt-to-Income Ratio
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is a key financial metric that compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly gross income. This ratio is one of the main ways lenders evaluate your ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts.
Why DTI Matters
Mortgage Approval
Most mortgage lenders prefer a DTI ratio of 43% or lower
Financial Health
Lower DTI ratios indicate better financial stability
Loan Terms
Better DTI ratios often lead to more favorable loan terms
Credit Applications
Lenders use DTI to assess new credit applications
How to Improve Your DTI Ratio
- Pay down existing debts
- Increase your income through side jobs or raises
- Avoid taking on new debt
- Refinance or consolidate existing debts for lower payments
- Create and stick to a budget
- Consider selling assets to pay off debt
What's Included in DTI Calculations
Included Debts
- Mortgage or rent payments
- Car loans
- Student loans
- Credit card minimum payments
- Personal loans
- Child support or alimony
Not Included
- Utilities
- Insurance premiums
- Healthcare costs
- Food and groceries
- Entertainment expenses
- Retirement contributions
Tips for Managing Your DTI
- Track your monthly debt payments and income carefully
- Set up automatic payments to avoid missed payments
- Review your budget regularly to identify areas for improvement
- Consider debt consolidation if you have multiple high-interest debts
- Build an emergency fund to avoid taking on new debt
- Seek professional financial advice if your DTI is too high