Find the income your lender expects before applying. Include debts, fees, and insurance for realism. Get instant totals, exports, and decisions in one place.
| Scenario | Inputs (loan, APR, term, DTI, debts) | Output (required monthly income) |
|---|---|---|
| Starter auto | 25,000 | 8.2% | 5y | 36% | 650 | ≈ 3,150 / month |
| Refinance | 18,000 | 6.5% | 4y | 40% | 500 | ≈ 2,350 / month |
| Mortgage | 250,000 | 7.5% | 30y | 36% | 900 | ≈ 7,400 / month |
| Short term | 60,000 | 9.9% | 3y | 35% | 1,200 | ≈ 8,900 / month |
| Low DTI | 120,000 | 7.0% | 10y | 28% | 1,000 | ≈ 9,600 / month |
Examples are illustrative and will differ by lender rules and fees.
The periodic payment is computed using the standard amortization payment formula: Payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)−n).
The calculator estimates the gross income a lender may expect so that total monthly obligations stay inside a chosen debt‑to‑income limit. Obligations include the new loan’s monthly‑equivalent payment plus existing debts, housing costs, optional obligations, and optional insurance. For example, at a 36% limit, every 1,000 in obligations implies about 2,778 in minimum monthly income. If you enter income weekly, biweekly, or annual, the calculator normalizes it to monthly for consistent DTI math.
Loan payment is driven by financed principal, APR, term, and frequency. A 250,000 balance at 7.5% for 30 years produces a monthly payment near 1,748, while shortening the term to 15 years raises the payment but reduces total interest. Weekly and biweekly schedules convert to monthly equivalents using 52/12 or 26/12, preserving fair DTI comparisons. An interest‑only phase keeps balance flat, then recalculates payment across remaining periods to amortize fully.
DTI limits vary by product and risk policy, but small changes matter. If total obligations are 3,000 per month, the required income is 10,714 at 28% DTI, 8,333 at 36%, and 6,667 at 45%. This charted relationship is linear because income equals obligations divided by the DTI ratio, making sensitivity easy to interpret.
Origination fees can be paid upfront or financed into the balance. Financing a 1% fee on 250,000 adds 2,500 to principal, slightly increasing payment and required income. Adding 120 per month insurance increases obligations directly; at 36% DTI that single line item raises required income by about 333 per month.
Use side‑by‑side scenarios to test rate quotes, different terms, and realistic debt inputs. If your stated income is provided, the tool compares achieved DTI to the limit and flags the result. Exporting CSV and PDF helps document assumptions, share options with a lender, and track changes over time. Stress‑test affordability by increasing APR 1–2 points or lowering DTI 5 points; watch requirements rise.
It estimates the minimum gross income needed so monthly obligations stay within your chosen DTI limit, based on the loan payment, debts, housing costs, optional obligations, and optional insurance.
Monthly obligations include existing debts, housing costs, other obligations, the loan’s monthly‑equivalent payment, and insurance if you choose to include it.
The tool calculates a payment per period, then converts it to a monthly equivalent for DTI. Weekly and biweekly payments can look smaller per paycheck but still reflect the same monthly burden.
If the fee is financed, it increases the principal, which increases payment and required income. If paid upfront, the loan stays smaller, but you need cash at closing.
During interest‑only months, payment covers interest and the balance does not decline. After that phase, payment is recalculated to repay the remaining balance across the remaining periods.
No. It is a planning estimate. Lenders may use different DTI definitions, include or exclude certain costs, and apply credit and income verification rules that change qualification.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.