Debt-to-Income
How lenders see you.
A clear, honest picture of where you stand — and what it means.
Your monthly income.
Gross income (before taxes) from all sources.
$
$
Side gig, rental, investments, etc.
Total monthly income
Your monthly debt payments.
Minimum required payments only.
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total monthly debt
Your debt-to-income ratio
%
Where you stand.
Lender thresholds, mapped against your number.
0%
36% · good
43%
50%+ · high
What this means.
You're in great shape. Most lenders consider a DTI under 36% excellent. You should have no trouble qualifying for loans or credit at favorable rates.
You're in the caution zone. A DTI between 36–43% is manageable but getting tight. You can still qualify for most loans, but may face higher rates. Consider paying down debt before taking on more.
Your debt load is high. A DTI above 43% makes it harder to qualify for mortgages and may limit your options. Focus on paying down debt or increasing income before major financial decisions.
Debt is straining your finances. A DTI above 50% signals financial stress. Most lenders will decline new credit. Prioritize aggressive debt payoff — our calculators can help.
The arithmetic.
Monthly income
Monthly debt payments
Left after debt
Debt-to-income ratio
Ready to improve your ratio?
What is debt-to-income ratio?
Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. It's one of the key numbers lenders use to evaluate your ability to manage payments.
The formula. DTI = (Total Monthly Debt Payments ÷ Gross Monthly Income) × 100.
DTI benchmarks
- Under 36% — Excellent. You're well-positioned for loans and credit.
- 36% – 43% — Acceptable. Some lenders may be cautious.
- 43% – 50% — High. May affect mortgage qualification.
- Over 50% — Very high. Focus on debt reduction.
Two ways to improve your DTI
- Pay down debt — Lower payments mean a lower DTI.
- Increase income — Side gigs, raises, a new job.