Down Payment Calculator

Calculate down payment amount and loan balance at different percentage levels (3% to 25%).

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: CFPB — Owning a Home

$
Down Payment %

Down Payment

$80,000.00

Loan Amount

$320,000.00

Details

Down Payment$80,000.00
Loan Amount$320,000.00
PMI RequiredNo (20%+ down)
Save in 3 years$2,222.22/mo

Use the Down Payment Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Picking the right down payment is really about testing scenarios, and this tool lays them out by computing both the cash you'd put down and the loan balance left behind at every level from a minimum of 3% up to 25%. Those numbers anchor your sense of whether you're ready to buy in 2026, a year when 30-year fixed mortgage rates are projected to hover around 6.5% and therefore shape how much house you can comfortably carry.

The method is deliberately plain. Multiply the home's purchase price by the down payment percentage you choose, and that product is your down payment. Subtract it from the purchase price and what's left is the loan balance you'll finance. That financed principal is the number your monthly mortgage payment ultimately rests on.

A few realities are worth weighing as you slide between percentages. Putting more down lowers the monthly payment and trims the interest you'll pay across the life of the loan, while staying under 20% usually triggers private mortgage insurance (PMI) as an added monthly charge. Closing costs sit entirely apart from the down payment too, often adding 2-5% of the loan amount to what you owe up front.

Example: Buying a Home in 2026

  1. 1 Imagine you're interested in purchasing a home with a market value of $450,000 in early 2026, and you want to see how different down payment percentages affect your finances.
  2. 2 Using the calculator, you input the purchase price of $450,000. For a 5% down payment, the calculator multiplies $450,000 by 0.05 to get the down payment amount. It then subtracts this from the purchase price to find the loan balance.
  3. 3 At a 5% down payment, your down payment would be $22,500, leaving you with a loan balance of $427,500. If you opted for a 20% down payment, your down payment would be $90,000, and your loan balance would be $360,000.
  4. 4 This example clearly shows the significant difference in upfront costs and the remaining principal amount you'd need to finance. Knowing these figures allows you to compare scenarios, assess your savings, and potentially avoid PMI by aiming for a higher down payment.

Source: CFPB — Owning a Home · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I put down on a house?
The traditional recommendation is 20% to avoid PMI, but many buyers put down 3-10%. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down. VA and USDA loans allow 0% down for eligible borrowers.
Is it better to put 5% or 20% down?
Putting 20% down eliminates PMI ($100-$300/month savings) and reduces your monthly payment. However, putting 5% down lets you buy sooner and keep cash reserves. Run the numbers for your specific situation.
How much is a 3% down payment on a $300,000 house?
A 3% down payment on a $300,000 home is $9,000, with a loan amount of $291,000. You will also pay PMI of roughly $100-$200/month until you reach 20% equity.

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