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Mortgage Calculator

See your monthly mortgage payment, total interest, and full amortization schedule for any loan amount, rate, and term. Updated against this week's average rates from Freddie Mac.

FinanceByΒ Numora finance teamReviewed byΒ Numora editorial review board, Certified Financial Planner (CFP)UpdatedΒ Peer-reviewed

Try the calculator

Reviewed against primary sources.

Assumptions
Β₯
%
Monthly payment
$1,896.20

Principal & interest only

That's $1,896.20 every month on a Β₯300,000 loan at 6.5% over 30 years β€” $382,633 of interest over the life of the loan.

Total paid$682,633
Total interest$382,633

Balance over time

075k150k225k300k1360
Amortization schedule360 rows

Amortization schedule

360 rows
MonthPrincipalInterestBalance
1$271.20$1,625.00$299,729
2$272.67$1,623.53$299,456
3$274.15$1,622.05$299,182
4$275.64$1,620.57$298,906
5$277.13$1,619.08$298,629
6$278.63$1,617.57$298,351
7$280.14$1,616.07$298,070
8$281.66$1,614.55$297,789
9$283.18$1,613.02$297,506
10$284.72$1,611.49$297,221
11$286.26$1,609.95$296,935
12$287.81$1,608.40$296,647

This estimate does not include property taxes, insurance, PMI, or HOA fees.

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Try a scenario

Quick answers β€” common loan amounts at current 30-year fixed rates

Loan amount (30-yr at 6.5%)Monthly paymentTotal interest
$200,000$1,264$255,090
$250,000$1,580$318,861
$300,000$1,896$382,633
$350,000$2,212$446,406
$400,000$2,528$510,178
$500,000$3,160$637,723
$750,000$4,740$956,584

Rates current as of the most recent Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Your actual rate will vary based on credit score, down payment, and loan type. Use the calculator above for your specific scenario.

Quick takeaway

**The hidden cost of a 30-year mortgage isn't the interest rate β€” it's how long interest compounds.** On a typical 30-year loan, you pay about $1.30 in interest for every $1.00 of principal. Cut the term to 15 years and the ratio drops to roughly $0.50 of interest per $1.00 of principal. Extra payments early in the loan save dramatically more than the same payments late.

What is a mortgage?

A mortgage payment is the fixed amount you pay a lender each month to repay a home loan. Each payment splits between principal (the original loan balance) and interest (the cost of borrowing), with the proportions shifting over time β€” early payments are mostly interest because the balance is high, later payments are mostly principal as the balance shrinks. The math is identical for every fixed-rate mortgage worldwide: monthly payment equals the loan amount times the monthly rate, divided by one minus (one plus monthly rate) raised to the negative number of payments. What changes across countries is the typical term length, the rate environment, and the regulatory wrapper. This calculator uses the standard amortization formula required of US lenders under the Truth in Lending Act and shows the full schedule alongside total interest over the life of the loan.

The formula

M = P Β· r(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n βˆ’ 1)
  • M β€” monthly payment
  • P β€” loan principal
  • r β€” monthly interest rate (annual rate Γ· 12)
  • n β€” number of monthly payments (years Γ— 12)

Source: TILA-mandated amortization formula M = P Γ— r(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n βˆ’ 1).

Worked examples

1A typical 30-year mortgage

Inputs
loanAmount: 300000rate: 6.5term: 30
Walkthrough

On a $300,000 loan at 6.5% for 30 years, the monthly principal-and-interest payment works out to $1,896.20. Across 360 monthly payments, you'll pay a total of roughly $682,633 back to the lender β€” about $382,633 of which is interest. The first payment is almost entirely interest ($1,625) and only $271 of principal; the final payment is nearly the opposite.

2Same loan, 15-year term

Inputs
loanAmount: 300000rate: 6.5term: 15
Walkthrough

Shortening the same $300,000 loan to 15 years pushes the monthly payment up to $2,613.32 β€” about 38% more each month. But total interest drops from $382,633 to roughly $170,398. The math: less time means less compounding, and more of each payment hits principal from the start.

3Rates drop one point

Inputs
loanAmount: 300000rate: 5.5term: 30
Walkthrough

Drop the rate on the 30-year loan by a single percentage point and the monthly payment falls from $1,896 to $1,703 β€” savings of $193/month, $69,480 over the life of the loan. This is why buyers watch Freddie Mac's weekly rate survey as closely as listing prices.

How to use this calculator

  1. Loan amount β€” Your loan amount before any down payment β€” for a $375,000 home with 20% down, enter $300,000.
  2. Interest rate β€” Annual interest rate offered by your lender, before any discount points. Most US 30-year rates fall between 5.5%–7.5% in 2026.
  3. Term β€” Loan term in years. The most common are 15 and 30; 10, 20, 25, and 40 also exist but are rarer.
  4. Read the result. Use the worked examples below to sanity-check against a known scenario.

What your result means and what to do next

Typical range
A typical US 30-year fixed mortgage payment runs $1,500–$2,500/month for the median home, with about 75% of each early payment going to interest and 25% to principal. That ratio inverts about year 18 β€” by then, most of every payment is reducing your balance.
If above
If your payment quote is more than 10% higher than this calculator's output, ask the lender for the line-item breakdown β€” the spread is almost always PMI, escrow for taxes and insurance, or origination fees rolled into the payment. Those aren't part of the principal-and-interest math; they're additions on top.
If below
If your payment looks unusually low, the three usual causes are a non-standard term (like a 40-year), discount points lowering the rate below market, or a temporary introductory rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Always confirm the loan type and all associated costs.
When to escalate
If a lender's quoted principal and interest payment differs significantly from this calculator's output for the same loan amount, rate, and term, and they cannot provide a clear, formula-based explanation, it's a red flag. This could indicate miscalculation or hidden fees. Escalate by seeking quotes from other reputable lenders and comparing the Loan Estimates carefully.
Common misreading
The most common misreading is equating the calculated monthly payment with your total housing cost. This calculator provides the principal and interest portion only. Your actual monthly outlay will include property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potentially private mortgage insurance (PMI) or HOA fees, which can add hundreds of dollars.

Common mistakes and edge cases

Not Including PITI in Your Budget

The biggest mistake is reading a principal-and-interest estimate as the true monthly cost. Lenders approve you based on total housing cost (PITI: principal, interest, taxes, insurance), not the P&I figure alone. Always factor in property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potentially PMI and HOA fees.

Forgetting Closing Costs

The second is forgetting closing costs β€” typically 2% to 5% of the loan amount, paid up front. On a $300,000 loan that's $6,000 to $15,000 most buyers don't have in their down-payment math. These are separate from your down payment and can significantly impact your upfront cash requirement.

Comparing Only the Headline Rate

The third is assuming a lower rate always wins. Points and fees baked into a lower 'headline' rate can take years to break even against a higher-rate loan with no points. Always compare the Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which includes most fees, or calculate the total cost over your expected tenure, not just the monthly bill.

Not Shopping Around for Lenders

Many buyers only get one or two quotes. Rates and fees can vary significantly between lenders, sometimes by 0.5% or more on the interest rate, and thousands in closing costs. Getting quotes from at least three to five lenders can save you tens of thousands over the life of the loan.

Ignoring the Amortization Schedule

Early payments are mostly interest. Many borrowers are surprised how little principal they pay down in the first few years. Understanding the amortization schedule helps you see the impact of extra payments, especially early on, which can dramatically reduce total interest paid and shorten the loan term.

How small changes affect your result

+$50/mo
Saves $32,400 interest Β· 2y 3mo earlier
+$100/mo
Saves $59,000 interest Β· 4y 7mo earlier
+$200/mo
Saves $98,700 interest Β· 8y 2mo earlier
+$500/mo
Saves $167,500 interest Β· 15y 4mo earlier

15-year vs 30-year fixed mortgage on a $300,000 loan

TermTypical rateMonthly paymentTotal interestTotal paid
15-year fixed5.875%$2,512$152,100$452,100
30-year fixed6.500%$1,896$382,633$682,633

Rates representative of current week (Freddie Mac PMMS) averages from the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey. Actual rate depends on credit score, LTV, and lender.

Frequently asked questions

What's a good interest rate for a mortgage?
A competitive rate is one within about 0.25% of Freddie Mac's weekly average for your loan type (30-year fixed, 15-year fixed, etc.). Rates move daily, so compare offers from at least three lenders on the same day β€” a quote from last week isn't a benchmark anymore.
Is a 15-year or 30-year mortgage better?
A 15-year loan costs much less in total interest and builds equity faster, but the monthly payment is 40–50% higher. A 30-year loan is easier to budget and leaves room for retirement savings; if you have the discipline to invest the payment difference, it often beats paying the mortgage off faster. Neither is universally better β€” it's a cash-flow and priorities question.
How much should my down payment be?
Twenty percent is the threshold that removes private mortgage insurance (PMI) on a conventional loan. But FHA loans go as low as 3.5%, and VA/USDA loans can be zero. A smaller down payment means a bigger loan, a bigger monthly payment, and (usually) PMI β€” but also keeps cash free for emergencies, furniture, or investments. Run the math both ways.
Does this calculator include property taxes and insurance?
No β€” it estimates principal and interest only. Your actual monthly payment to the lender typically includes escrow for property taxes and homeowners insurance (together called PITI), and PMI if your down payment is under 20%. Plan on adding $300–$800 per month to the figure shown, depending on your location and home price.
How accurate is this calculator?
The principal-and-interest number is exact to the cent for a fixed-rate loan with the amortization formula, which is what every major lender uses. Where real-world figures diverge: adjustable-rate mortgages (the rate changes), escrow charges (not modeled here), and lender-specific fees rolled into your rate.
How is mortgage payment calculated?
Monthly payment uses the standard amortization formula: M = P Γ— [r(1+r)ⁿ] / [(1+r)ⁿ βˆ’ 1], where P is the loan amount, r is the monthly interest rate (annual rate Γ· 12), and n is the number of monthly payments (years Γ— 12). The same formula appears on every mortgage statement and is the one US lenders are required to use under the Truth in Lending Act.
What is PITI?
PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance β€” the four components of most monthly mortgage payments. This calculator estimates only the principal-and-interest portion. Property taxes vary by county and typically add 0.5–2% of the home value annually; homeowners insurance averages around $1,400/year nationally per the III. Add both, divided by 12, to get a closer-to-real monthly figure.
What is the 28/36 rule?
A common affordability guideline used by lenders: housing costs (PITI) shouldn't exceed 28% of your gross monthly income, and total debt (housing + car + student loans + credit cards) shouldn't exceed 36%. Many lenders push these higher in practice β€” FHA allows up to 31/43 β€” but the 28/36 rule is the conservative benchmark Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance recommends.

Mortgage glossary

Amortization
The process of paying off a loan through regular equal payments, with each payment split between interest and principal. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal.
Also called: loan repayment schedule Β· tilgungsplan (Germany)
Principal
The amount of money you borrowed β€” the starting balance of the loan, before interest.
PITI
Principal, interest, taxes, and insurance β€” the four components of a typical monthly mortgage payment. Lenders qualify you based on total PITI, not just principal and interest.
PMI
Private mortgage insurance β€” a monthly premium added when your down payment is under 20% on a conventional loan. Typically 0.5–1.5% of the loan amount per year.
Escrow
An account your lender uses to collect property taxes and homeowners insurance monthly alongside your mortgage payment, then pays them to the tax authority and insurer when due.

How we built this calculator

Methodology

Fixed-rate mortgages use a single amortization formula that splits every payment between interest and principal. Early on, most of each payment goes to interest because interest is charged on the full remaining balance. As the balance falls, more of each payment shifts toward principal β€” which is why cutting a loan short at year 10 still leaves most of the original balance outstanding.

This calculator was written by Numora finance team and reviewed by Numora editorial review board, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) before publication. Both names link to full bios with verifiable credentials.

Formula source
TILA-mandated amortization formula M = P Γ— r(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n βˆ’ 1)
Last reviewed
2026-04-23
Reviewer
Numora editorial review board, Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Calculation runs
Client-side only
NF
WRITTEN BY
Numora finance team
NE
REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY
Numora editorial review board, Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
In this review:
  • Verified the formula matches TILA-mandated amortization formula M = P Γ— r(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n βˆ’ 1) (Truth in Lending Act, Regulation Z (2026)).
  • Confirmed the rounding rule applied by the engine: monthly payment to the nearest cent; total interest to the nearest dollar.
  • Recomputed all 3 worked examples by hand and confirmed the results match the engine.
  • Confirmed all 8 cited sources resolve to current pages on the issuing institution, including Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (weekly rates).
  • Cross-checked the 2-row comparison table for arithmetic consistency at the baseline scenario.

Reviewed on 2026-04-23 Β· Next review: 2026-10-27

See editorial policy

Sources & references

Every numeric assumption traces to a primary source.

  1. Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (weekly rates)USA
  2. CFPB β€” Understanding loan optionsUSA
  3. CFPB β€” Closing costs explainedUSA
  4. CFPB β€” Loan estimate explainedUSA
  5. HUD β€” FHA home loan limitsUSA
  6. Federal Reserve β€” Consumer Credit (G.19) statistical releaseUSA
  7. Truth in Lending Act, Regulation Z (12 CFR Part 1026)USA
  8. Federal Housing Finance Agency β€” Conforming loan limitsUSA
  9. Numora Editorial Policy. numora.net/editorial-policy
⚠ Important

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Numbers shown are estimates based on the inputs you provide. Conventions and regulations vary by country. Consult a qualified financial advisor in your country before making decisions based on these results.