Specialized tool · SEABorrow

Debt Service Ratio (DSR / DTI) Calculator

Combine salary, existing debt and a proposed new loan payment to see how much borrowing headroom is really left.

Calculator depth3 borrower scenariosBuilt to answer a concrete decision, not just output a formula.
Decision bridge3 market routesMoves from isolated calculation into comparison-ready next steps.
Research support2 related guidesPairs the tool with explainers, methodology and lender pages.

What this tool answers

A fast way to see whether a new installment pushes your monthly debt burden too far.

  • Existing-debt + new-loan view in one screen
  • Comfort-band interpretation instead of raw math only
  • Useful before application, not after a rejection

When to use it

  • Checking whether a new loan would overcrowd monthly debt service
  • Comparing a shorter-term vs longer-term installment against income
  • Preparing a cleaner borrowing scenario before application
Current DSR19.0%
DSR after new loan29.0%
Headroom to 55%SGD 1,090
Risk zoneModerate pressure

Debt pressure gauge

Where the new total debt burden sits

0%35%55%+
Moderate pressureThis is workable for many borrowers, but cash-flow shocks would matter more.

Income split

Where the salary goes after the new loan

Existing debt
New loan
Remaining buffer
Existing 19.0%New 10.0%Buffer 71.0%
IncomeSGD 4,200
Existing debtSGD 800
New loan paymentSGD 420
Total debt serviceSGD 1,220

Decision path

From debt pressure to safer borrowing options

When DSR looks crowded, the next move is usually not “apply anyway” but compare lender rows that leave more monthly headroom.

01

Measure how much salary is already consumed by debt service before adding a new loan.

02

Switch into a country comparison page and filter for lighter monthly repayment scenarios.

03

Open lender pages that look easier on monthly cash flow and re-check income thresholds.

FAQ

DSR Calculator FAQ

What is DSR or DTI?

It is the share of your monthly income consumed by debt payments. Lenders use it to judge whether a borrower still has room for a new installment.

Why does existing debt matter so much?

Because the new loan is not assessed in isolation. Credit cards, car loans and other monthly commitments can make a seemingly affordable loan much tighter in practice.

Does this tool give an approval decision?

No. It gives a planning view of monthly debt pressure. Individual lenders still apply their own rules, income checks and underwriting criteria.

What DSR level do banks usually consider safe?

Thresholds vary by market and product, but many lenders begin to push back somewhere between 40% and 60% total debt service. The lower your DSR before adding a new loan, the more headroom you preserve for life events.

How can I reduce my DSR before applying?

The fastest levers are paying down or consolidating high-interest revolving debt, closing unused credit lines, and waiting for a previous installment loan to end. Increasing income usually takes longer than reducing committed payments.