Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator
30 Years
20 Years
15 Years
10 Years
Estimated Monthly Payment:
$0.00
Total Principal:
$0.00
Total Interest Paid:
$0.00
Total Cost of Loan:
$0.00
How Your Monthly Mortgage Payment is Calculated
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you will ever make. Understanding the components of your monthly mortgage payment helps you budget effectively and select the right loan term for your financial goals.
The Principal and Interest (P&I) Formula
The core of your mortgage payment is the Principal and Interest. This calculator uses the standard amortization formula:
M = P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1 ]
- P (Principal): The total amount of money you borrow (Home Price minus Down Payment).
- i (Monthly Interest Rate): Your annual interest rate divided by 12.
- n (Number of Months): The total number of payments (e.g., 30 years = 360 payments).
Realistic Example: The Impact of Interest
Consider a $400,000 home with a 20% down payment ($80,000). You are borrowing $320,000.
| Rate | Term | Monthly P&I | Total Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5% | 30 Years | $2,022.62 | $408,144 |
| 4.5% | 30 Years | $1,621.39 | $263,700 |
What Else Is Included in a Mortgage Payment?
While this calculator focuses on the loan repayment (P&I), remember that your actual "all-in" monthly cost usually includes PITI:
- Principal: The repayment of the borrowed amount.
- Interest: The cost paid to the lender for the loan.
- Taxes: Property taxes assessed by your local government.
- Insurance: Homeowners insurance and potentially Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20%.
Tips to Lower Your Monthly Payment
If the calculated result is higher than your budget, consider these strategies:
- Increase your Down Payment: Borrowing less reduces the principal and may eliminate the need for PMI.
- Improve your Credit Score: Higher scores qualify for lower interest rates, which significantly impact the monthly payment.
- Compare Loan Terms: A 15-year mortgage has higher monthly payments but saves you tens of thousands in interest over the life of the loan.
- Shop Multiple Lenders: Even a 0.25% difference in interest rate can save you $50-$100 every single month.