DTI by Loan Program Calculator
Enter your income and debts to see your DTI ratio — then instantly check eligibility against Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Jumbo, and Non-QM limits with compensating factors included.
Enter your income, proposed housing payment, and monthly debts to see your DTI eligibility across all major loan programs.
| Loan Program | Standard Max DTI | Flex Max DTI | Your DTI | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 45.0% | 50.0% w/ factors | 34.0% | Pass |
| FHA | 43.0% | 57.0% w/ factors | 34.0% | Pass |
| VA | 41.0% | 65.0% w/ factors | 34.0% | Pass |
| USDA | 41.0% | 44.0% w/ factors | 34.0% | Pass |
| Jumbo | 43.0% | 45.0% w/ factors | 34.0% | Pass |
| Non-QM | 50.0% | 55.0% w/ factors | 34.0% | Pass |
Front-end DTI covers housing costs only. Back-end includes all monthly debt obligations. Most programs have limits for both.
| Program | Front-End Limit | Back-End Limit | Your Front | Your Back | Front OK? | Back OK? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 36.0% | 45.0% | 24.0% | 34.0% | Yes | Yes |
| FHA | 31.0% | 43.0% | 24.0% | 34.0% | Yes | Yes |
| VA | No limit | 41.0% | 24.0% | 34.0% | Yes | Yes |
| USDA | 29.0% | 41.0% | 24.0% | 34.0% | Yes | Yes |
| Jumbo | 38.0% | 43.0% | 24.0% | 34.0% | Yes | Yes |
| Non-QM | No limit | 50.0% | 24.0% | 34.0% | Yes | Yes |
Visual pass/fail for your DTI against each program's standard and maximum limits.
How to Use the DTI by Program Calculator
Enter your gross monthly income (before taxes, all borrowers combined) and your proposed monthly housing payment (the full PITI: principal, interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI). Then enter each monthly debt obligation. The calculator computes your front-end and back-end DTI and compares them against the thresholds for every major loan program.
Use the Advanced tier to see front-end vs back-end DTI details, check whether compensating factors unlock FHA's extended 56.99% limit, and review exactly which debts count. The Pro tier provides a visual program comparison matrix, specific debt reduction strategies, and the precise DTI math lenders use.
DTI Formula Explained
Back-End DTI = (Monthly Housing + All Monthly Debts) / Gross Monthly Income
Monthly Housing = Principal + Interest + Property Tax + Insurance + HOA + PMI
Monthly Debts = Auto + Student Loans + Credit Card Minimums + Child Support + Alimony Paid + IRS Plan + BNPL
Most loan programs set limits on the back-end DTI (all debts combined). Some programs also limit the front-end DTI (housing only). Lenders calculate DTI using the minimum payment on revolving debts, not the actual amount you pay — so a credit card minimum counts even if you pay in full monthly.
DTI Limits by Program — Reference Table
| Conventional | Front: 36% guideline | Back: 45% standard, 50% with factors |
| FHA | Front: 31% | Back: 43% standard, 56.99% with compensating factors |
| VA | No strict front-end | Back: 41% guideline (residual income overrides) |
| USDA | Front: 29% | Back: 41% (44% with compensating factors) |
| Jumbo | Front: 38% | Back: 43–45% typical (lender-specific) |
| Non-QM | No statutory limit; lender-set, often 50–55% |
Limits shown are standard guidelines. Individual lenders may impose stricter overlays. Always verify with your specific lender.
FHA Compensating Factors — Unlocking 56.99% DTI
FHA allows lenders to approve borrowers up to 56.99% back-end DTI — but only with documented compensating factors. At least one of the following must be present:
- 720+ Credit Score: The strongest single compensating factor. A FICO of 720 or higher combined with high DTI signals creditworthiness that offsets the debt risk.
- 12+ Months Cash Reserves: More than a year's worth of PITI payments in liquid savings after closing demonstrates financial resilience.
- Low LTV (75% or below): Significant equity — at least 25% down — reduces lender risk substantially.
- Energy-Efficient Property: Properties with documented energy efficiency (using an EEM) may qualify for slightly higher DTI.
Without at least one compensating factor, FHA caps at 43% back-end DTI. With two or more factors, approval at even higher ratios becomes possible at lender discretion.