Mortgage Amortization Calculator
Estimate your monthly payments and see how interest affects your loan over time.
How to Use This Mortgage Amortization Calculator
Understanding your mortgage payment breakdown is crucial for financial planning. This calculator helps you determine exactly how much your monthly principal and interest payments will be, as well as the total cost of borrowing over the life of the loan.
To get started, simply enter:
- Loan Amount: The total amount you plan to borrow from the lender (Home Price minus Down Payment).
- Interest Rate: The annual percentage rate (APR) offered by your lender.
- Loan Term: The duration of the mortgage in years (typically 15 or 30 years).
Understanding Mortgage Amortization
Amortization refers to the process of paying off a debt over time through regular payments. A portion of each payment goes towards the principal (the loan balance) and the remainder goes towards interest.
In the early years of a mortgage, the majority of your payment goes toward interest. As time passes and the principal balance decreases, a larger portion of your payment goes toward the principal. This calculator shows you the total interest you will pay over the full term, which often surprises new homebuyers.
The Impact of Interest Rates
Even a small difference in interest rates can have a massive impact on the total cost of your home. For example, on a $300,000 loan over 30 years, the difference between a 6% and a 7% interest rate can amount to tens of thousands of dollars in extra interest payments.
Choosing the Right Loan Term
While a 30-year mortgage offers lower monthly payments, you will pay significantly more in interest compared to a 15-year mortgage. Use the calculator above to compare scenarios by changing the "Loan Term" input and observing how the "Total Interest Paid" changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is included in the estimated monthly payment?
The calculation above includes Principal and Interest (PI) only. It does not include property taxes, homeowners insurance, or Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which are often escrowed and added to your monthly bill by the lender.
How can I reduce my total interest paid?
You can reduce total interest by securing a lower interest rate, choosing a shorter loan term (e.g., 15 years), or making extra principal payments. Even one extra payment per year can shave years off your mortgage.