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  • Debt-to-Income Calculator

Debt-to-Income Calculator

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is a percentage calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Use the calculator below to estimate your DTI ratio.

Published February 20, 2023

5 min read

Debt-to-Income Calculator

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is an important metric lenders look at when considering lending money to you. To estimate your DTI, enter your total monthly debt payments and your gross monthly income below.

Annual Income Before Taxes ? Include your total income before taxes and other deductions (like health insurance).
(including non-taxable)
$
Total Monthly Debt Payments ? Add up the minimum monthly payments you make toward debts and mortgage (or rent).
Exclude living expenses such as utility bills, food, and entertainment for more accurate results.
$

Itemize your debt

Itemize your minimum monthly debt. Please enter your min monthly payments in the fields below. For more accurate results, don't include living expenses such as utility bills, food, and entertainment.

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Itemize My Debt
Your DTI Ratio
Finance Savings

Add your information to the left to calculate.

Thumbs Up NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

A higher DTI (over 50%), may limit your borrowing options. Paying down higher-cost debt, like credit cards, can help lower your monthly payments and your DTI.

Legal Scales FAIR

While adequate, you may want to consider lowering your DTI (below 35% ideally). If you're looking to borrow, lenders may ask for additional eligibility factors.

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A DTI under 35% means your debt level is manageable. A lower DTI typically means you can manage your current debt and can take on new debt, when needed.

How to calculate debt-to-income ratio

Your DTI, or debt-to-income ratio, is based on two numbers: your total debt divided by your gross monthly income. When you want to calculate your DTI, first you’ll add up your total debt payments for the month. This should include any loan payments (such as student loans, mortgage payments, or personal loans), the minimum credit card payments, car payments, child support, alimony, etc. Note, this total does not need to include other expenses such as rent, groceries, entertainment, or utility bills. Instead, it should include only the required payments you’re making on your monthly debts. Then you’ll calculate your gross monthly income (before taxes and deductions). This DTI calculator will divide your total debt by your gross income, and the result is a percentage, such as 30% DTI.

How lenders view your debt-to-income ratio

Lenders use your DTI, along with other criteria such as your credit score and credit history, to determine how risky it might be for them to lend you money. If you have a higher DTI (50% or above), it could mean it’s more difficult to meet your monthly obligations so lenders may view you as higher risk. But lenders may also consider your credit score and credit history which could help balance a higher DTI. Generally for mortgages, lenders will look for borrowers to have a DTI ratio of 43% or less, and a DTI that’s lower than 36% may be ideal.  A lower DTI ratio shows lenders that you’re capable of managing your current debt and may be comfortable taking on more.

How to lower your debt-to-income ratio

When you’re applying for new line of credit or a loan, such as a mortgage, personal loan, or student loan refinance, it’s a good idea to be aware of your DTI. If you’re able to lower or pay off some of your debts to improve your DTI, you may be able to improve your chances of getting approved for a loan or qualifying for a preferable rate.

If you’re trying to lower your DTI, here are a few tactics to consider:

  1. Focus on starting to pay down higher-cost debt, such as credit card, especially if they have a high interest rate.
  2. Consider consolidating your debt if you’re able to find a lower rate that could help you save money on interest.
  3. Track your monthly expenses and try to cut down on any unnecessary expenses (or cancel extra subscriptions). Then focus on applying these savings to pay down your existing debts.
  4. Finally, be mindful of taking on any new debts or making major purchases, especially right before you apply for new credit like a mortgage.

Stay focused on paying down your debt and check in on your DTI periodically to see how you can make small improvements over time.

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    Disclaimers

    Information and interactive calculators are made available to you as self-help tools for your independent use and are not intended to provide investment advice, legal, financial, or tax advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal finance issues. Calculators do not include the fees and restrictions that certain products may have. This calculator does not indicate whether you would qualify for a Laurel Road loan. Please visit the applicable banking product pages on laurelroad.com for specific terms and conditions.

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