Example result based on the prefilled values.
Front-End DTI
0.00%
Back-End DTI
0.00%
Max Mortgage (Conv.)
$1,680.00
Max Total Debt
$2,160.00
Remaining Capacity
$2,160.00
Continue your plan
Useful next calculations
When to use this calculator
- Before comparing lenders, brokers, or repayment options.
- When you want to test how a different deposit, rate, or term changes affordability.
- When you need a quick estimate before using a formal quote or agreement in principle.
- When you are stress-testing your budget against a potential rate rise to see the impact on monthly payments.
- When you want to understand the full cost of borrowing — not just the monthly figure — before you commit.
A realistic US planning example
Use these sample inputs as a quick scenario test, then change one variable at a time to compare outcomes.
Gross Monthly Income ($)
$55,000
Mortgage / Rent Payment ($)
$280,000
Car Loan Payments ($)
$280,000
Student Loan Payments ($)
$280,000
After entering these figures, review front-end dti, back-end dti and max mortgage (conv.) together rather than in isolation — each metric tells a different part of the story. Then rerun the tool with one input adjusted to see which variable has the biggest effect on all three outputs before you settle on a plan.
How to read your results
Front-End DTI
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how changes in the key inputs drive the final outcome. If the figure surprises you, isolate one variable at a time and rerun the calculation to identify which assumption is responsible.
Back-End DTI
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how changes in the key inputs drive the final outcome. If the figure surprises you, isolate one variable at a time and rerun the calculation to identify which assumption is responsible.
Max Mortgage (Conv.)
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how changes in the key inputs drive the final outcome. If the figure surprises you, isolate one variable at a time and rerun the calculation to identify which assumption is responsible.
Max Total Debt
This is the headline outcome of the calculation, but it is most useful when read alongside the supporting metrics below it rather than in isolation. Try changing one input at a time and watching how this total moves to understand which driver has the biggest impact.
Remaining Capacity
Use this metric to compare scenarios side by side and understand how changes in the key inputs drive the final outcome. If the figure surprises you, isolate one variable at a time and rerun the calculation to identify which assumption is responsible.
Method & assumptionsAuthoritative sources
This calculator computes your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios using gross monthly income as the denominator, consistent with how Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, and VA underwriting guidelines define DTI. The front-end ratio isolates housing costs only; the back-end ratio adds all recurring monthly debt obligations. The conventional maximum benchmarks used here are 28% front-end and 36% back-end, the traditional Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac standard. FHA generally permits a 31/43 split, while VA and USDA use a single 41% back-end guideline. Automated underwriting systems can approve loans above these thresholds with compensating factors, so these figures should be treated as general guidance rather than definitive approval thresholds.
The calculator does not include property taxes, homeowners insurance, or HOA fees in the proposed mortgage payment — you should add those estimates to your housing figure for a more accurate front-end DTI. It also assumes all income is fully documented and does not adjust for self-employment, commission, or variable-income verification requirements that apply under agency guidelines. Verify current DTI limits directly with your lender or loan officer, as guidelines change and vary by loan program and underwriting method.
Common mistakes
- !Using an assumption that is not supported by a current local quote, bill, statement or official source.
- !Treating a generic estimate as a lender, provider, payroll or tax authority decision.
- !Mixing monthly and annual inputs without converting them consistently.
- !Forgetting location-specific taxes, fees, eligibility rules or payroll deductions where they apply.
- !Testing only one scenario instead of checking how a cautious assumption changes the result.
What to do next
- Run a second scenario with a cautious assumption so you can see the downside clearly.
- Compare the result with the related calculators below before making a decision.
- Check current local rules, eligibility and provider terms before applying or committing money.
- Keep a record of the assumptions so you can update the estimate when a quote, bill or pay figure changes.
- Use the result to prepare better questions for a lender, provider, adviser or employer rather than treating it as a final answer.
Frequently asked
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