Debt-to-Income (DTI) Calculator
Find out how much of your income goes to debt and which range you're in: healthy, watch, or high. It's the number lenders check before they lend to you.
Your monthly debt payments
Include rent/mortgage, car, cards, loans, and other installments.
Your income before taxes and deductions.
39% of your income goes to debt
Watch zone (36–43%). Manageable, but avoid new debt and start bringing it down.
How to read your DTI
- Under 36%: healthy. You have room to save and handle surprises.
- 36% to 43%: watch. Manageable, but avoid taking on new debt.
- Over 43%: high. A plan to reduce your debt is wise.
How to lower your DTI
There are two paths: reduce your debt payments (by paying debts off, starting with the most expensive) or increase your income. If your DTI is high, our debt payoff calculator helps you build a plan to get out faster.
Frequently asked questions
What is the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio?
It's the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes to debt payments. You calculate it by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income, times 100. Lenders use it to assess whether you can take on a new loan.
What DTI is considered healthy?
Generally: under 36% is healthy, 36% to 43% is a watch zone, and over 43% is considered high. The lower it is, the more room you have to save and handle surprises.
Which payments should I include?
Include all your monthly debt payments: rent or mortgage, car payment, credit card minimums, personal or student loans, and any other fixed installment. Don't include expenses like food, utilities, or entertainment.
Do I use gross or net income?
DTI is calculated using gross income—that is, before taxes and deductions. It's the standard lenders use.
This tool is educational and provides estimates. It is not financial advice. Each lender's criteria may vary.