A financial tool exists for assessing an individual’s or household’s financial health by comparing gross monthly income to total monthly debt payments. This metric, expressed as a percentage, is calculated by dividing total monthly debt payments by gross monthly income. For example, if an individual’s gross monthly income is $5,000 and total monthly debt payments are $1,500, the resulting ratio is 30%.
This percentage provides a quick snapshot of how much of an individual’s income is committed to debt obligations. A lower percentage generally indicates a healthier financial situation, allowing for greater financial flexibility and savings potential. Lenders frequently utilize this ratio to evaluate a borrower’s ability to manage additional debt, playing a significant role in approval decisions for mortgages, auto loans, and other credit products. Its use has become increasingly standardized as a key risk assessment factor in the lending industry.