How is the debt-to-income ratio expressed?

The debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is expressed as a percentage, which reflects the proportion of a borrower's income that goes towards paying debts. This percentage is calculated by dividing the total monthly debt payments (such as mortgage payments, car loans, credit card payments, etc.) by the gross monthly income. For lenders, the DTI ratio is a critical measure used to assess a borrower's ability to manage monthly payments and repay debts, making the percentage format an intuitive way to convey financial health and borrowing capability.

In this context, conveying the DTI as a percentage allows for easier comparison across borrowers and aligns with general financial practices and guidelines used in lending. This significantly aids in evaluating qualifying criteria for various loan products, ensuring that both lenders and borrowers have a clear understanding of financial obligations relative to earned income.