How the debt-to-income calculator works
The two ratios lenders quote
Front-end DTI is housing only (rent, or mortgage principal, interest, taxes, insurance) divided by gross income — traditionally capped near 28%. Back-end DTI adds every debt payment: cards (minimums), auto, student loans, other obligations — traditionally capped near 36%, with many mortgage programs stretching to 43–50% with compensating strengths.
Why lenders care more than you do
DTI is the single best predictor they have that you can absorb a payment shock. From your side, the same number is a stress gauge: above ~36%, one income disruption or big repair starts a cascade. The ratio that gets you approved and the ratio that keeps you safe happen to be the same one.
Moving the number
There are only two levers: pay debt down (or off) and raise verified income. Paying off a small card entirely removes its minimum from the denominator — often the fastest move. Large raises and bonuses count only once they are documented and consistent.