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//// Financial · Borrowing

Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Enter your gross income and monthly debts — get front-end and back-end DTI, lender qualification status for conventional/FHA/jumbo loans, and exactly how much debt to pay off to hit the 36% and 43% thresholds.

Where this fits

🏠 Real EstateGoing 1099Cash FlowFreelancersFounders

This tool lives inside Going 1099 + Cash Flow and is most useful for freelancers and founders.

401(k) Limit 2024$23,000
Roth IRA Limit$7,000
S&P 500 Avg Return~10%/yr

1099 / Self-Employed?

Lenders qualify you on your 2-year average net Schedule C income — not gross revenue. If your expenses are high, your qualifying income is lower than it looks. Toggle on to see adjusted guidance.

Monthly Gross Income

$

Pre-tax gross monthly income — not take-home pay

Monthly Debt Payments

Mortgage / Rentfront-end
$
Car Payment(s)
$
Student Loans
$
Credit Card Minimums
$
Personal Loans
$
Other Monthly Debts
$
Total monthly debts$2,720

Applying For (Informational)

Max 43% back-end DTI (some exceptions to 50% with strong credit/reserves)

Front-End DTI
24.0%
Good
Housing only · target <28%
Back-End DTI
36.3%
Fair
All debts · lenders focus here
✓

Qualifies for Conventional — 36.3% ≤ 43% limit

Max 43% back-end DTI (some exceptions to 50% with strong credit/reserves)

How to Improve

↓Reduce monthly debt by $20/mo to reach 36% (preferred lender threshold)
↑Increase gross income by $56/mo to reach 36% (best lender rate tier)

DTI Rating Scale

Excellent
< 20%
Good
20–35%
Fair
36–43%
High
> 43%
1

Front-End DTI (Housing Ratio)

front_DTI = housing_payment ÷ gross_income × 100

= $1,800 ÷ $7,500 × 100

= 24.0%

Covers housing cost only. Lenders generally want front-end DTI under 28% for conventional loans.

2

Back-End DTI (Total Debt Ratio)

back_DTI = total_monthly_debt ÷ gross_income × 100

= $2,720 ÷ $7,500 × 100

= 36.3%

The number lenders care about most. Includes all recurring monthly obligations.

Key insight

Front-end DTI (housing only) should be under 28% for the best rates. Back-end DTI (all debt) is the primary qualifier — most lenders require under 43%, though some programs go higher.

Use this result in →

Calculate home affordability →Compare mortgage options →

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