Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator

Check your debt-to-income ratio and improve your financial health.

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Medical Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Results are estimates only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical decisions. In an emergency, call 995 (Singapore) immediately.

Singapore MAS Debt Rules: TDSR & MSR Explained

Before you can borrow in Singapore, banks must assess your Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR). This is the MAS rule that caps how much of your gross income can go toward debt repayments. When you're planning for a baby, understanding your TDSR headroom is critical - childcare costs, a potential loss of one income during maternity or paternity leave, and new expenses all affect your financial buffer.

Ratio	Cap	Applies To	Notes
TDSR	55% of gross monthly income	All property loans (HDB & private)	Includes all debt: mortgage, car, personal, credit card minimums
MSR	30% of gross monthly income	HDB concessionary loans	Only counts your HDB mortgage repayment
MSR	35% of gross monthly income	Bank loans for HDB flats	Only counts your HDB mortgage repayment

What Your DTI Means

Under 20%

Excellent

You have strong borrowing capacity and a solid buffer for baby costs like childcare fees and medical bills.

20–35%

Good

Manageable debt load. You should still be able to handle new baby expenses - review your baby budget carefully.

35–45%

Elevated

Getting tight. Consider paying down personal loans or credit cards before having a baby. One income during maternity leave could stress this ratio.

45–55%

High - Near MAS Limit

Banks will scrutinise any new loan applications. Reduce debt aggressively. Having a baby on this ratio requires very careful planning.

Above 55%

Exceeds MAS TDSR Cap

You will not qualify for new property loans. Immediate debt reduction is needed. Use our Net Worth Calculator to assess your full picture.

How to Reduce Your DTI Before Baby Arrives

Pay off high-interest debt first

Credit card balances and personal loans typically carry 20–26% p.a. interest and inflate your monthly repayment figure the most.

Avoid new car loans

A car loan at S$1,200/month adds 20 percentage points to DTI on a S$6,000 income. Public transport or a smaller car makes a huge difference.

Increase your gross income

Freelance work, rental income, and bonuses count toward gross income. Use the extra to reduce principal, not lifestyle.

Consolidate loans

A Debt Consolidation Plan (DCP) from participating banks can lower your monthly outflow and streamline repayments at a lower interest rate.

Use CPF OA to service mortgage

Your CPF Ordinary Account contributions can cover your HDB loan repayment, freeing up cash flow for baby expenses.

Time your family planning

Running DTI calculations 12–18 months before your planned conception date gives you time to meaningfully reduce debt before income drops during leave.

How a Baby Changes Your Debt Picture

Your DTI is calculated on gross income, but a baby adds major new cash outflows. Here's what to plan for in Singapore:

Expense	Typical Cost (S$/month)	Notes
Infant care / childcare	S$700–2,500	After ECDA subsidy. Varies by centre type and household income.
Formula (if not breastfeeding)	S$120–250	Stage 1 formula. Drops as baby moves to solids at 6 months.
Diapers	S$60–120	Newborn stage uses 8–12 per day. Cost drops after 12 months.
Medical / paed visits	S$50–200	Well-child checks, vaccinations, and illness visits.
Baby insurance	S$50–200	Integrated Shield Plan rider, CI coverage. Budget early for cheapest premiums.
Reduced income (maternity leave)	Varies	16 weeks for SC babies. Government pays last 8 weeks capped at S$10,000/mth.

Use our Baby Expense Calculator for a full first-year cost breakdown, and check what Baby Bonus and government grants your family qualifies for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CPF count as income for DTI?

Banks use your gross monthly income before CPF deductions. Your employer's CPF contribution is not included. Only cash and CPF employee contributions are counted toward gross income.

Are credit card minimum payments included?

Yes. Banks typically include 5% of your outstanding credit card balance as a monthly debt obligation in TDSR calculations.

What if I'm self-employed?

Banks average the last 2 years of NOA (Notice of Assessment) income. Irregular or commission-based income is usually discounted by 30%. Keep clean tax records when planning to borrow.

Does my partner's income count?

Yes. For joint applications, combined gross income is used. However, all joint debts are also fully counted. Using only one spouse's income can sometimes give better TDSR if their debt is low.

How soon after paying off a loan does my DTI improve?

Immediately. Banks pull your credit report at application time. Once a loan is discharged, it no longer counts toward TDSR. Allow 1–2 weeks for the CBS report to update.

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