What is a good debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage?

For conventional loans, lenders typically want a back-end DTI of 43% or below. FHA may allow up to 57% with strong compensating factors. VA loans use 41% as a guideline but are flexible. A front-end DTI under 28-31% is considered strong across all loan types.

What debts are included in DTI calculation?

Back-end DTI includes all monthly minimum debt payments: the proposed mortgage payment (PITI), car loans, student loans, credit card minimums, personal loans, child support, and alimony. It does not include utilities, groceries, subscriptions, or non-debt expenses.

Free Tool

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Calculate your front-end and back-end DTI ratios and see where you stand against conventional, FHA, and VA mortgage guidelines.

Your Income

Monthly Gross Income

$

Before taxes. Include all borrowers if joint application.

Housing Costs (Front-End)

Est. Monthly Mortgage Payment (PITI)

$

Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance. Use the mortgage calculator to estimate.

Monthly Debts (Back-End)

Car Loan Payments

$

Student Loan Payments

$

Credit Card Minimums

$

Other Monthly Debt

$

Personal loans, child support, alimony, etc.

Front-End DTI (Housing Only)

0%

Enter your income and housing costs above.

Back-End DTI (All Debts)

0%

Enter all monthly debt payments above.

Loan Type	Front-End Max	Back-End Max
Conventional	28%	43 to 45%
FHA	31%	43 to 57%*
VA	No limit	41% (flexible)
USDA	29%	41%

*FHA may allow up to 57% with strong compensating factors.

Guidelines vary by lender and may be overridden by compensating factors like high credit score, large down payment, or strong reserves. Use as a planning estimate only.

See What You Actually Qualify For →

High DTI? There may still be a path.

FHA, VA, and some conventional programs allow higher DTI with compensating factors like a strong credit score or larger down payment. Chris can review your full picture.

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