Most programs use a 43–45% back-end DTI limit as a guideline — your total monthly debts plus housing payment divided by gross monthly income. VA and FHA allow up to 50% in some cases. The front-end ratio (housing only) is typically kept under 28–31%. Use the calculator below to check both.
DTI Calculator
DTI limits vary by program and lender. These are guidelines — not guarantees. Compensating factors (strong savings, high credit score) can allow higher DTI in some cases. Not a commitment to lend.
DTI guidelines by loan program
VA loans technically have no hard DTI cap — lenders look for a "residual income" amount instead — but most lenders want to see back-end DTI under 41%, with exceptions up to 50% for strong files. FHA allows up to 43% with automated approval and can go to 50% with compensating factors. Conventional (Fannie/Freddie) generally caps at 45–50%. USDA typically wants 41% back-end, with exceptions.
The fastest way to know where you stand is a real pre-approval conversation — where Sam pulls your actual credit, verifies income, and gives you a lender-backed number, not a calculator estimate.