# Back-End Ratio: Definition, Calculation Formula, Vs. Front End

> **Definition**
>
> The back-end ratio, also known as the debt-to-income ratio, measures the percentage of a borrower's gross monthly income that goes toward paying total monthly debt obligations.

## What Is the Back-End Ratio?

The back-end ratio, also known as the [debt-to-income ratio](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/dti.asp), is a ratio that indicates what portion of a person's monthly income goes toward paying debts. Total monthly debt includes expenses, such as mortgage payments (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance), credit card payments, child support, and other loan payments.

**Back-End Ratio = (Total monthly debt expense / Gross monthly income) x 100**

Lenders use this ratio in conjunction with the [front-end ratio](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/front-endratio.asp) to approve mortgages. The lower your back-end ratio, the lower risk you are.

### Key Takeaways

*   Back-end ratios show the percentage of income a borrower is allotting to other lenders.
*   To calculate a back-end ratio, divide total monthly debt expenses by gross monthly income and multiply by 100.
*   Mortgage underwriters use back-end ratios to help assess a borrower's risk.
*   Lenders usually require long-term debt and housing expenses equate to less than 33% to 36% of a borrower's gross income.

  

## How Back-End Ratio Works

The back-end ratio represents one of several metrics that mortgage underwriters use to assess the level of risk associated with lending money to a prospective borrower. It is important because it denotes how much of the borrower's income is owed to someone else or another company.

A back-end ratio is also called a total fixed payments to effective income ratio.

> **Important**
>
> Lenders usually require long-term debt and housing expenses equate to less than 33% to 36% of a borrower's gross income.

If a high percentage of an applicant's paycheck goes to debt payments every month, the applicant is considered a high-risk borrower. For these borrowers, a job loss or income reduction could more easily result in financial strain and missed payments.

## How to Calculate a Back-End Ratio

The back-end ratio is calculated by adding together all of a borrower's monthly debt payments and dividing the sum by the borrower's monthly income and multiplying by 100.

Consider a borrower whose monthly income is $5,000 ($60,000 annually divided by 12) and who has total monthly debt payments of $2,000. This borrower's back-end ratio is 40%:

($2,000 / $5,000) \* 100

Generally, lenders like to see a back-end ratio that does not exceed 36%. However, some lenders make exceptions for ratios of up to 50% for borrowers with good credit. Some lenders consider only use this ratio when approving mortgages, while others use it in conjunction with the front-end ratio.

## Back-End vs. Front-End Ratio

Like the back-end ratio, the front-end ratio is another debt-to-income comparison used by mortgage underwriters, the only difference being the front-end ratio considers no debt other than the mortgage payment. Therefore, the front-end ratio is calculated by dividing only the borrower's mortgage payment by his or her monthly income. Returning to the example above, assume that out of the borrower's $2,000 monthly debt obligation, their mortgage payment comprises $1,200 of that amount.

The borrower's front-end ratio, then, is ($1,200 / $5,000), or 24%. A front-end ratio of 28% is a common upper limit imposed by mortgage companies. Like with the back-end ratio, certain lenders offer greater flexibility on front-end ratio, especially if a borrower has other mitigating factors, such as good credit, reliable income, or large cash reserves.

## How to Improve a Back-End Ratio

Paying off credit cards and selling a financed car are two ways a borrower can lower their back-end ratio. If the mortgage loan being applied for is a refinance and the home has enough equity, consolidating other debt with a [cash-out refinance](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cashout_refinance.asp) can lower the back-end ratio.

However, because lenders incur greater risk on a cash-out refinance, the interest rate is often slightly higher versus a standard rate-term refinance to compensate for the higher risk. In addition, many lenders require a borrower paying off the revolving debt in a cash-out refinance to close the debt accounts being paid off, lest they run the balance back up.

## What Are the Back-End Ratio Requirements?

Typically, lenders want to see a back-end ratio of at least 36%, although some lenders may allow for a higher back-end ratio. For example, some lenders may allow for a maximum back-end ratio of 43%.

## What Is a Front-End Ratio?

A front-end ratio is the percentage of your housing expenses in proportion to your total income. To calculate a front-end ratio, divide your total housing expenses, including your mortgage payment, property taxes, mortgage insurance, and homeowner's association fees by your total income.

## What Is a Good Front-End Ratio?

Many lenders require a minimum [front-end ratio of 28%](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/twenty-eight-thirty-six-rule.asp) to approve you for a mortgage. The lower your front-end and back-end ratios, the more likely you are to qualify for a mortgage.

## The Bottom Line

Understanding your back-end ratio is key to preparing for getting a mortgage and other types of loans, as lender use this ratio among other factors to assess how risky you are. You can improve your back-end ratio by minimizing debt and increasing income. Consider consulting a professional financial advisor to review how your back-end ratio fits into your financial picture.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. "[Borrower Qualifying Ratios](https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/4155-1_4_SECF.PDF)."
>     
> 2.  FDIC. "[Loans and Mortgages](https://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/podcast/documents/borrowing-money-how-much-mortgage-can-i-afford.pdf)."