Find your debt-to-income ratio — a key number lenders use for mortgages.
Calculated privately in your browser.
How is your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio calculated?
DTI = total monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income × 100. For example, 1,800 of debt on 6,000 income is a 30% DTI. Many lenders prefer 36% or less and cap mortgages around 43%; a lower DTI is better and can improve your loan terms. Lenders rely on it to decide how much you can borrow.
Understanding your result
Many lenders prefer a DTI of 36% or less and cap mortgages around 43%. Lower is better and improves your loan terms.
Formula and method
DTI = total monthly debt payments ÷ gross monthly income × 100.
Assumptions and limitations
Your debt-to-income ratio is one figure lenders consider, and this result is an estimate, not financial or lending advice. Lenders define included debts differently and weigh credit history, deposit and affordability alongside DTI. Actual decisions vary by lender and product, so treat this as guidance rather than a guarantee of approval.
Worked example
1,800 of debt on 6,000 income is a 30% DTI — comfortably within typical limits.
How to use this tool
- Enter your gross (pre-tax) monthly income.
- Enter your total monthly debt payments.
- Press Calculate.
About the Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator
The Debt-to-Income Calculator shows what share of your monthly income goes to debt — a number mortgage lenders rely on to decide how much you can borrow.
Who should use this tool
Prospective borrowers and homebuyers who want to know what share of their income goes to debt before applying for a mortgage or loan. Useful for checking where you stand against typical lender expectations and seeing how clearing a debt might improve your position.
Benefits
- Shows the share of income committed to debt payments
- Uses the same ratio mortgage lenders rely on
- Helps you see the effect of clearing a debt
- One click to a result, with no account needed
Practical use cases
- Checking your position before a mortgage application
- Seeing how paying off a loan lowers your ratio
- Comparing your DTI against typical lender expectations
- Planning borrowing capacity around monthly commitments
Frequently asked questions
What DTI do I need for a mortgage?
Most conventional loans want 43% or less, and ideally 36% or under, though programs and lenders vary.
Which debts should I include in the calculation?
Generally include recurring monthly obligations such as loan, credit card, car finance and mortgage or rent payments. Lenders vary in exactly what they count, and some exclude certain bills. For a realistic figure, enter the regular debt payments that would appear on a credit assessment and use your gross monthly income.
Does a lower debt-to-income ratio improve my loan terms?
Generally a lower ratio signals more room in your budget to take on repayments, which lenders view favourably. As noted in the tool, many prefer a DTI of 36% or less. Reducing debt or increasing income lowers the ratio, though final terms also depend on credit history and other factors.