Monthly Mortgage Calculator
Rate and term are the fastest levers on monthly payment. This page is structured to help you sweep those two inputs while holding loan amount steady—ideal when comparing lender quotes.
Quick answer
Fix loan amount, then try 6.5% vs 6.875% or 30-year vs 15-year side by side. Small rate gaps compound over 360 payments.
For a related estimate, see 20 Percent Down Calculator.
Explore further: Biweekly Mortgage Calculator · Closing Cost Calculator
How to use this calculator
- Confirm loan amount: Purchase price minus down payment (plus financed closing costs if any).
- Enter note rate as APR for simplicity: If you have separate APR vs note, use the APR that matches your disclosure for apples-to-apples.
- Layer escrow components: Tax, insurance, PMI, HOA—add each if you want “true monthly” not P&I only.
What moves the payment
Monthly payment on a fixed-rate amortizing loan is driven by principal, APR, and term. Extra principal reduces balance faster; biweekly schedules effectively add one extra payment per year in many setups. Refinance math adds closing costs and resets amortization—break-even is months of savings versus upfront cost.
Explore further: Debt To Income Calculator · Down Payment Calculator
Real-world example
- Example: $300k loan — 0.5% rate change: Roughly $100/mo P&I swing on a 30-year for each ~0.5% move in rate near mid-6% levels (illustrative rule of thumb).
Explore further: Home Affordability With Taxes · Home Loan Calculator
What this means
Early amortization is interest-front-loaded: two loans with the same payment differ mainly by rate and term on total interest paid. Extra principal in the first third of the loan trims lifetime interest more than the same dollars after half the term.
FAQ
Why is my payment higher than the Zillow default?
Zillow often shows P&I. Taxes, insurance, PMI, and HOA are additive lines in a full housing payment.
Does a 15-year loan always save money?
Total interest often drops, but payment rises. Choose based on cash flow and goals.
Is this a loan commitment?
No. Outputs are educational estimates. Final payments, APR, and fees come from your lender’s disclosures.
Why does my amortization schedule differ slightly?
Rounding, day-count conventions, and first-payment timing shift pennies. Use the schedule for directionally correct totals.