28/36 Rule Calculator
Result
28/36 Rule Calculator This 28/36 rule calculator shows how much you can afford to spend on housing and total debt based on your income, a guideline lenders use to assess mortgage applications. Enter your monthly income and existing monthly debt payments, — free online calculator.
Formula
The front-end ratio caps housing costs at 28% of gross monthly income: max housing = income × 0.28.The back-end ratio caps total debt payments at 36% of gross monthly income: max total debt = income × 0.36.Available for housing subtracts your existing debt payments from the 36% limit, so other debts reduce what you can spend on housing.Use gross (pre-tax) monthly income, and include recurring debts like loans and credit cards in the debt figure.It is a guideline, not a guarantee; lenders also weigh credit score, down payment, and other factors.
- 28/36 Rule Calculator calculates its result from Housing, Total Debt. It uses the formula Housing: 28% | Total Debt: 36% The front-end ratio caps housing costs at 28% of gross monthly income: max housing = income × 0.28.The back-end ratio caps total debt payments at 36% of gross monthly income: max total debt = income × 0.36.Available for housing subtracts your existing debt payments from the 36% limit, so other debts reduce what you can spend on housing.Use gross (pre-tax) monthly income, and include recurring debts like loans and credit cards in the debt figure.It is a guideline, not a guarantee; lenders also weigh credit score, down payment, and other factors.. Change any input to recalculate the result instantly.
- The main inputs are Housing, Total Debt. Enter them in the units and format shown in the calculator.
- Use monetary amounts, rates and time periods exactly as labeled; the result reflects the assumptions entered on this page.
- Changing any input above recalculates the result with the same calculation engine used by this page.
Example: 28/36 Rule
- Housing: 2
- Total Debt: 3
Using Housing = 2, Total Debt = 3, the calculated result is 8.3333333333.
Sample result: Calculating…
Frequently asked questions
What does the 28/36 Rule calculate?
28/36 Rule Calculator This 28/36 rule calculator shows how much you can afford to spend on housing and total debt based on your income, a guideline lenders use to assess mortgage applications. Enter your monthly income and existing monthly debt payments, — free online calculator.
Which values should I enter?
Enter Housing, Total Debt using the units and format shown beside each field.
What formula does this calculator use?
The calculator uses the following relationship: Housing: 28% | Total Debt: 36%
The front-end ratio caps housing costs at 28% of gross monthly income: max housing = income × 0.28.The back-end ratio caps total debt payments at 36% of gross monthly income: max total debt = income × 0.36.Available for housing subtracts your existing debt payments from the 36% limit, so other debts reduce what you can spend on housing.Use gross (pre-tax) monthly income, and include recurring debts like loans and credit cards in the debt figure.It is a guideline, not a guarantee; lenders also weigh credit score, down payment, and other factors..
Why might my result differ from another source?
Results can differ when another source uses different units, rounding rules, conventions or assumptions. Compare the inputs and definitions before comparing results.
Does the result update automatically?
Yes. Changing an input updates the result using the same calculation engine shown on this page.