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Mortgage
Calculator

Estimate your monthly payment, total cost, and see a full year-by-year breakdown instantly.

๐Ÿก Loan Details

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$ 20%
20%
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6.8%
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$

๐Ÿ“Š Your Results

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Fill in your loan details and click Calculate to see your results.

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How It's Calculated

Uses the standard amortization formula: M = P[r(1+r)^n]/[(1+r)^n-1], where P is loan amount, r is monthly rate, and n is total payments.

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The 20% Rule

Putting down 20% avoids PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), which typically costs 0.5โ€“1.5% of your loan annually until you reach 20% equity.

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Rate Impact

A 1% difference in rate on a $300k loan changes your payment by ~$175/month and total interest by ~$60,000 over 30 years.

Common Questions

What's included in the monthly payment?

Your total monthly payment includes principal (paying down your loan), interest (cost of borrowing), property tax, and homeowner's insurance โ€” often called PITI. If your down payment is less than 20%, PMI is also typically added.

Is a 15-year or 30-year mortgage better?

A 15-year mortgage builds equity faster and saves tens of thousands in interest, but has higher monthly payments. A 30-year mortgage has lower payments giving more monthly flexibility. The right choice depends on your income stability and financial goals.

Does this include PMI?

This calculator does not automatically include PMI. If your down payment is less than 20%, add roughly 0.5โ€“1% of the loan amount annually to your estimate to account for PMI until you reach 20% equity.

How accurate is this calculator?

This tool provides close estimates for planning purposes. Your actual payment will vary based on your credit score, lender fees, exact tax rates, and insurance premiums. Always confirm with a licensed mortgage professional before making decisions.

What credit score do I need for a good rate?

Generally, a score of 740+ gets you the best available rates. Scores between 620โ€“739 can still qualify but may face higher rates. Below 620 may require government-backed loans (FHA, VA) or a larger down payment.

How to Use This Mortgage Calculator

Our free mortgage calculator helps you estimate your monthly mortgage payment based on the home price, down payment, loan term, and interest rate. Simply enter your loan details above and click Calculate to instantly see your estimated monthly payment, total interest paid over the life of the loan, and a complete year-by-year amortization schedule.

This tool is perfect for first-time home buyers, homeowners looking to refinance, or anyone comparing different loan scenarios. Use it to answer questions like: How much house can I afford? What happens if I put 20% down? How much do I save with a 15-year vs 30-year mortgage?

How Is a Mortgage Payment Calculated?

A monthly mortgage payment consists of four parts, often called PITI: Principal (paying down your loan balance), Interest (the cost of borrowing), Taxes (property taxes), and Insurance (homeowner's insurance). This calculator includes all four components for a realistic estimate of your true monthly housing cost.

The principal and interest portion is calculated using the standard amortization formula. In the early years of your loan, most of your payment goes toward interest. Over time, more goes toward principal as your balance decreases.

What Is a Good Mortgage Rate in 2025?

Mortgage rates in 2025 vary depending on your credit score, loan type, and lender. Borrowers with excellent credit (740+) typically qualify for the best rates. A difference of even 0.5% in your interest rate can mean tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a 30-year mortgage, so it pays to shop multiple lenders before committing.

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage: Which Is Better?

A 15-year mortgage has higher monthly payments but significantly less total interest paid โ€” often saving $100,000 or more on a $300,000 loan. A 30-year mortgage offers lower monthly payments and more financial flexibility. Use our calculator to compare both scenarios with your specific loan amount and see the exact dollar difference in total interest paid.

Understanding Your Mortgage Payment

When you take out a mortgage, your monthly payment is divided into several components. The principal portion reduces your loan balance, while the interest portion is the lender's fee for lending you money. In the early years of your mortgage, the majority of your payment goes toward interest. As time passes, more of your payment goes toward principal โ€” this is called amortization.

Property taxes are typically collected monthly by your lender and held in an escrow account until they are due to the local government. Homeowner's insurance is also often included in your monthly payment and held in escrow. Together, these four components โ€” principal, interest, taxes, and insurance โ€” make up your total monthly housing payment.

Tips to Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Your mortgage interest rate is one of the most important factors in your total cost of homeownership. Even a difference of 0.25% can save or cost you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. To qualify for the best rates, focus on improving your credit score before applying, saving a larger down payment, reducing your debt-to-income ratio, and shopping multiple lenders โ€” including credit unions and online lenders, not just your primary bank.

Locking in your rate at the right time also matters. Rates can change daily based on economic conditions. Once you find a rate you are comfortable with, ask your lender about a rate lock to protect yourself from increases during the closing process.

How Much House Can I Afford?

A common guideline is to keep your total housing payment โ€” including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance โ€” below 28% of your gross monthly income. Your total debt payments, including the mortgage, should stay below 36% of gross income. These are known as the front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios.

For example, if you earn $6,000 per month before taxes, the 28% rule suggests your maximum housing payment is $1,680 per month. Use our mortgage calculator above to work backward from a target payment to find the home price you can comfortably afford at current interest rates.