Monthly Payment Calculator

Monthly Mortgage Payment Calculator

Plug in your numbers below and see your full estimated monthly payment, principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and PMI, in real time. It's free, instant, and a great starting point before you talk to a loan officer.

← See all mortgage calculators

Your Loan Details

$
%
%
%
$
$

Defaults reflect typical California assumptions. Adjust any field to match your situation. PMI is auto-applied when down payment is under 20%.

Your Estimated Payment

Monthly Total $0
Principal & Interest $0
Property Tax $0
Insurance $0
PMI $0
Loan Amount $0
Total Interest $0
Total Paid Over Life $0
Get a Real Rate Quote
How It Works

What Goes Into Your Monthly Payment

Most homeowners think of their mortgage payment as one number, but it's actually made up of several pieces. Lenders bundle them together into what's called PITI: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, plus a few extras depending on your loan.

Understanding the breakdown helps you make smarter decisions: whether to put more down to avoid PMI, whether to choose a shorter term, or how a slightly lower rate translates into real savings over the life of the loan.

Each Piece Explained

  • Principal: The portion of each payment that reduces your loan balance.
  • Interest: The cost of borrowing, calculated against your remaining balance.
  • Taxes: Property taxes collected by your lender and paid to the county on your behalf.
  • Insurance: Homeowners insurance to protect the property.
  • PMI / MIP: Mortgage insurance if your down payment is below 20% (conventional) or on FHA loans.
  • HOA: Monthly fees if your property is part of a homeowners association.
Common Questions

Mortgage Calculator FAQ

How is my monthly mortgage payment calculated?

Your monthly payment is the sum of principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and (if down payment is under 20%) mortgage insurance. Principal and interest are calculated using the standard amortization formula based on loan amount, interest rate, and term.

What does PITI stand for?

PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance, the four core components of a typical monthly mortgage payment.

Why is my actual payment different from the calculator estimate?

Calculator estimates use typical assumptions. Your real payment depends on the actual property tax rate, insurance quote, HOA fees if any, and your specific loan terms, all of which can vary by city, lender, and policy.

When does PMI go away?

On conventional loans, you can request PMI removal once you reach 80% loan-to-value, and it automatically drops at 78% LTV. On FHA loans, MIP usually stays for the life of the loan unless you refinance.

What's the typical property tax rate in California?

Most California counties have an effective property tax rate of about 1.0% to 1.25% of assessed value annually. The calculator defaults to 1.1%, adjust it to match your specific area.

How much should I budget for homeowners insurance?

In California, homeowners insurance typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,500 per year for a standard policy, depending on location, home value, and coverage. High-risk fire areas can cost significantly more.

Ready for a Real Rate?

Estimates are great. A personalized quote is better, and just as fast.

Get My Rate