Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Explained
Your debt-to-income ratio compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. It's a crucial metric lenders use to assess your borrowing capacity.
How to Calculate DTI
DTI = (Total Monthly Debt Payments / Gross Monthly Income) × 100. Include: All EMIs (home, car, personal), credit card minimum payments, and any other fixed obligations. Don't include: Utilities, groceries, insurance premiums.
What Is a Good DTI?
Below 30%: Excellent — lenders love you. 30-40%: Acceptable — most loans approved. 40-50%: Concerning — limited borrowing capacity. Above 50%: Risky — loan rejections likely.
How to Improve DTI
Pay off high-interest debt first. Avoid taking new loans. Increase income (side hustles, salary negotiation). Consolidate multiple debts into one lower-EMI loan.