Both calculations evaluate your risk as a borrower, but consider different factors of your financial profile.
The DTI ratio considers your income and all monthly debt obligations to see how much money goes into paying off your debt. Lending institutions use the DTI ratio to evaluate borrowers, but it doesn't impact your credit score.
The credit utilization rate is a key evaluating factor of your credit score. This calculation measures your credit usage by comparing your maximum credit limit to your outstanding balance. Unlike the DTI ratio, the credit utilization rate only considers revolving credit — credit cards, personal credit lines and HELOCs. It doesn't factor in installment debt or your monthly income.