Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator
Estimate your monthly house payment including principal and interest.
Understanding Your Mortgage Monthly Payment
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial commitments you will ever make. Using a mortgage calculator helps you understand the long-term implications of your loan and ensures you stay within a budget that aligns with your financial health.
How the Mortgage Payment is Calculated
The standard formula used for calculating a fixed-rate mortgage payment is the Amortization Formula. This formula determines the fixed amount you pay each month to ensure the loan is paid off exactly at the end of its term.
The calculation takes into account:
- Loan Principal: The total amount of money borrowed (Home Price minus Down Payment).
- Monthly Interest Rate: The annual interest rate divided by 12 months.
- Number of Payments: The total number of months over the life of the loan (Years × 12).
The Amortization Formula
The math behind the calculator is: M = P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1 ]
Where:
- M is the total monthly payment.
- P is the principal loan amount.
- i is the monthly interest rate.
- n is the number of months.
Factors That Affect Your Monthly Payment
While our calculator focuses on Principal and Interest (P&I), remember that your actual "out-of-pocket" monthly housing cost often includes other factors:
- Property Taxes: Calculated based on the value of your home and local tax rates.
- Homeowners Insurance: Required by lenders to protect the asset.
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Usually required if your down payment is less than 20%.
- HOA Fees: Monthly dues if you live in a managed community or condo.
Example Calculation
If you purchase a home for $350,000 with a $70,000 (20%) down payment, your loan amount is $280,000. At a 7% interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage, your monthly principal and interest payment would be approximately $1,862.84. Over the life of the loan, you would pay a total of $670,622, with $390,622 of that being interest.
Strategies to Lower Your Mortgage Payment
If the calculated payment feels too high, consider these options:
- Increase your Down Payment: A larger down payment reduces the principal and may eliminate the need for PMI.
- Improve your Credit Score: Higher credit scores typically qualify for lower interest rates.
- Choose a Longer Term: A 30-year loan has lower monthly payments than a 15-year loan, though you will pay more in total interest.
- Shop for Rates: Even a 0.5% difference in interest rates can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.