Mortgage stress test calculator

Lenders don't qualify you at your actual rate. They use the minimum qualifying rate (MQR): the higher of your contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%. Enter your numbers to see your debt ratios at that rate.

The qualifying rate

OSFI sets the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages at federally regulated lenders: the greater of the contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%. CMHC uses the same test for insured mortgages. OSFI's page still showed both numbers when we checked in October 2026, and it reviews them at least once a year.

MQR = max(contract rate + 2%, 5.25%)
monthly rate i = (1 + MQR / 2)^(2/12) − 1
qualifying payment = loan × i / (1 − (1 + i)^−n)
GDS = (qualifying payment + property tax / 12 + heat + 50% of condo fees) / (income / 12)
TDS = GDS costs + other monthly debt payments, divided by monthly income

GDS and TDS limits

For insured mortgages, CMHC caps the gross debt service (GDS) ratio at 39% and the total debt service (TDS) ratio at 44%. Lenders set their own limits for uninsured mortgages, and some go above or below these. The "largest mortgage" line solves for the loan that keeps both ratios at or under the limits at the qualifying rate.

Example: $140,000 income, $560,000 mortgage at 4.29% over 25 years. The qualifying rate is 6.29%. Read the full result above, since the tool runs this example when the page loads.

Who skips the test? Borrowers renewing with the same lender, and most straight switches to a new lender at renewal. See the renew vs switch calculator for the rules.

This is an estimate for general information. It is not advice about your situation. Check the final numbers with your lender, your real estate lawyer, or the official source.

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