Monthly Mortgage Calculator
Estimate your monthly house payments including principal and interest.
Understanding Your Mortgage Payment
Calculating your potential monthly mortgage payment is the first critical step in the home buying process. This calculator helps you determine exactly how much a home loan will cost you on a monthly basis, factoring in the principal loan amount and the interest accumulated over the life of the loan.
How the Mortgage Formula Works
The standard amortization formula used by lenders to calculate your monthly principal and interest payment is:
- M: Total monthly payment.
- P: Principal loan amount (Home Price minus Down Payment).
- i: Monthly interest rate (Annual rate divided by 12).
- n: Number of payments (Loan term in years multiplied by 12).
Factors Influencing Your Payment
Several key variables affect the final amount you pay each month:
- Down Payment: Putting more money down reduces your principal (P), which lowers both your monthly payment and the total interest paid over the life of the loan. A down payment of 20% or more also typically removes the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).
- Interest Rate: Even a fraction of a percentage point difference can save or cost you thousands of dollars over 30 years. Rates are determined by the broader economy and your personal credit score.
- Loan Term: A 30-year term offers lower monthly payments but results in significantly higher total interest costs compared to a 15-year term.
Why Calculate Before You Buy?
Using a mortgage calculator ensures you stick to a realistic budget. Financial experts often recommend the 28/36 rule: spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing expenses and no more than 36% on total debt. By adjusting the inputs above, you can find the home price that fits your financial comfort zone.