The percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments. Front-end DTI includes only housing costs (PITIA). Back-end DTI includes all monthly debts. Most conventional loans allow up to 50% back-end DTI. FHA allows up to 57% with compensating factors. Lower DTI means you qualify for more.
Definition reviewed by Renzo Johnson, Licensed MLO, NMLS #PENDING. Last updated February 2026.