Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator
Plan your home purchase by estimating your monthly mortgage commitment.
Total Loan Amount: $0
Total Interest Paid: $0
Total Cost of Loan: $0
Number of Payments: 0
How Your Monthly Mortgage Payment is Calculated
Understanding the components of your monthly mortgage payment is essential for effective financial planning. While this calculator focuses on the Principal and Interest, a full monthly payment often includes other factors commonly referred to as PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance).
The Four Key Variables
- Home Price: The total purchase price of the property.
- Down Payment: The cash you pay upfront. A higher down payment reduces your loan amount and can eliminate the need for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) if it exceeds 20%.
- Interest Rate: The cost of borrowing money, expressed as an annual percentage. Even a 0.5% difference can cost or save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
- Loan Term: The duration you have to repay the loan. 30-year and 15-year terms are the most common in the United States.
The Mathematical Formula
The math behind a fixed-rate mortgage uses an amortization formula:
Where M is your monthly payment, P is the principal loan amount, i is your monthly interest rate, and n is the total number of months in your loan term.
Example Calculation
Suppose you purchase a home for $400,000 with a $80,000 (20%) down payment. You secure a 30-year fixed mortgage at a 7% interest rate.
- Principal: $320,000
- Monthly Interest: 0.07 / 12 = 0.005833
- Total Months: 360
- Result: Your estimated monthly principal and interest payment would be $2,128.97.
Tips to Lower Your Monthly Payment
If the calculated payment is higher than your budget allows, consider these strategies:
- Increase the Down Payment: Lowering the principal balance immediately reduces the monthly interest accrued.
- Improve Your Credit Score: Lenders offer the best interest rates to borrowers with scores above 740.
- Extend the Term: Choosing a 30-year loan instead of a 15-year loan lowers the monthly payment, though you will pay more in total interest over time.
- Shop for Rates: Different lenders have different margins. Comparing at least three lenders can save you significant money.