Mortgage Payment Calculator
Calculate your estimated monthly mortgage payment.
Your Estimated Monthly Payment:
$0.00Understanding Your Mortgage Payment
A mortgage is a loan used to purchase real estate. The monthly payment for a mortgage typically includes principal and interest. This calculator helps you estimate that principal and interest payment based on the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. It does not include property taxes, homeowners insurance, or private mortgage insurance (PMI), which are often escrowed and added to your total monthly housing cost.
The Math Behind the Calculation
The standard formula for calculating a fixed-rate mortgage payment (M) is:
M = P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1]
Where:
- M = Your total monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest)
- P = The principal loan amount (the amount you borrow)
- i = Your monthly interest rate. This is the annual interest rate divided by 12. For example, a 6% annual rate becomes 0.06 / 12 = 0.005 per month.
- n = The total number of payments over the loan's lifetime. This is the loan term in years multiplied by 12. For example, a 30-year mortgage has 30 * 12 = 360 payments.
How to Use This Calculator
Simply enter the following information into the fields above:
- Loan Amount: The total amount of money you plan to borrow for the home.
- Annual Interest Rate: The yearly interest rate offered by your lender (as a percentage).
- Loan Term (Years): The total number of years you have to repay the loan. Common terms are 15 or 30 years.
Click the "Calculate Monthly Payment" button to see your estimated P&I payment.
Example Calculation
Let's say you are looking to buy a home and need a mortgage with the following details:
- Loan Amount (P): $350,000
- Annual Interest Rate: 5.5%
- Loan Term: 30 years
First, we convert these to the formula's variables:
- P = $350,000
- i = 5.5% / 12 = 0.055 / 12 ≈ 0.00458333
- n = 30 years * 12 months/year = 360 payments
Plugging these into the formula:
M = 350,000 [ 0.00458333(1 + 0.00458333)^360 ] / [ (1 + 0.00458333)^360 – 1]
Calculating this would yield an estimated monthly principal and interest payment of approximately $1,986.59. This calculator performs these exact steps to provide your estimate.
Important Considerations
Remember that this calculator provides an estimate for Principal and Interest (P&I) only. Your actual total monthly housing expense (often called your PITI payment) will likely be higher due to:
- Property Taxes: Paid to your local government.
- Homeowners Insurance: Required by lenders to protect against damage.
- Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): If your down payment is less than 20% of the home's value.
Always consult with a mortgage professional for a precise quote tailored to your financial situation.