US Mortgage Calculators 2026

A mortgage is the largest financial commitment most Americans make. The monthly payment consists of principal + interest (P&I) plus taxes, insurance and potentially PMI — collectively known as PITI. Understanding each component helps you budget accurately and compare loan offers honestly.

Loan Types: Conventional (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conforming loans), FHA (3.5% minimum down, government-backed), VA (for veterans, no down payment required), USDA (rural properties, no down payment). Each has different rate, down-payment and insurance requirements.

The 28/36 Rule: Keep your housing expense below 28% of gross monthly income, and total debt payments below 36%. Many lenders now approve up to 43–50% back-end DTI, but staying within the traditional guidelines provides a financial safety margin.

Refinancing strategy: Even reducing your rate by 0.5% can save tens of thousands over a 30-year loan. Run our refinance calculator before every rate dip — the mathematical break-even is the key metric, not just the lower payment.