Loan basics

Debt-to-income (DTI)

Also known as: DTI, debt to income, debt-to-income ratio

How much of your gross monthly income goes to debt payments, expressed as a percent.

Debt-to-income (DTI) compares monthly debt obligations to gross monthly income. Lenders use DTI as one underwriting factor; lower ratios generally mean more room in the budget. FinanceFlow’s affordability calculator uses educational front-end and back-end DTI targets (often illustrated around 28% and 36%) that you can edit-not a lender’s actual limit or a pre-approval.

See also

Open calculators Full glossary View on hub page

Definitions are for general education. Loan products, insurance, and taxes vary by lender, location, and your situation. FinanceFlow calculators produce estimates only and are not a lender quote or professional advice.