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CalcSmart › Mortgage Calculator

Mortgage Calculator — Monthly Payment & Total Cost

Find your monthly payment, total interest paid, and full cost of your home. Supports any loan term and interest rate.

%/yr
Monthly Payment
Loan Amount
Total Interest Paid
Total Cost of Home
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How to Use This Mortgage Calculator

Enter your home price, down payment, annual interest rate, and loan term. The calculator instantly shows your estimated monthly mortgage payment, the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan, and the true total cost of your home.

What is Included in a Mortgage Payment?

This calculator computes principal and interest (P&I) only. Your actual monthly payment may also include property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and private mortgage insurance (PMI) — typically required when your down payment is less than 20%. Add roughly 1–2% of the home value annually to estimate taxes and insurance.

15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage

A 30-year mortgage has lower monthly payments but costs significantly more in interest over time. A 15-year mortgage has higher payments but builds equity faster and typically comes with a lower interest rate. Use the calculator to compare both and see the long-term difference.

How Does Interest Rate Affect My Payment?

Even a small change in interest rate has a big impact. On a $400,000 loan, the difference between 6% and 7% is roughly $250 per month — and over $90,000 in total interest over 30 years. Shopping for the best rate is one of the most impactful financial decisions you can make.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much house can I afford?+
A common rule is that your monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. So if you earn $8,000/month, aim for a payment under $2,240. Also consider that total debt payments (mortgage + car + student loans) should stay under 36% of gross income — this is the 28/36 rule.
What is a good interest rate for a mortgage?+
Mortgage rates change daily based on economic conditions. Generally, rates within 0.5% of the current national average are considered competitive. Shopping at least three lenders is recommended — even a 0.25% difference saves tens of thousands over a 30-year loan.
Should I make a bigger down payment?+
A larger down payment reduces your loan amount and monthly payment, eliminates PMI (if you reach 20%), and saves on total interest. However, tying up all your savings in a home can leave you without an emergency fund. A good balance is 20% down if possible, but 10% with good PMI terms can also make sense depending on your situation.
What is PMI and when can I remove it?+
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) protects the lender if you default. It is typically required when your down payment is less than 20% and costs 0.5–1.5% of the loan annually. Once your loan balance drops to 80% of the original home value, you can request PMI removal. It cancels automatically at 78% under the Homeowners Protection Act.

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