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Down Payment Calculator

Calculate how much you need for a down payment on a house. See closing costs, PMI requirements, and total cash needed to close.

Down Payment Summary

Down Payment

$80,000

20% of $400,000

Cash Needed

$88,000

Down payment + closing

Home Price$400,000
Loan Amount$320,000
Closing Costs$8,000
Monthly Payment$2,129

Home Details

Property type and purchase price

$

Down Payment

Set your down payment percentage

%
040

Loan Terms

Interest rate and loan duration

%

Cash Needed at Closing

Down payment and closing costs breakdown

$88,000

Total cash needed to close

Down Payment Scenarios

Compare different down payment options

Down %Down PaymentLoan AmountMonthlyPMI
5%$20,000$380,000$2,750$222
10%$40,000$360,000$2,605$210
15%$60,000$340,000$2,460$198
20%$80,000$320,000$2,129None
25%$100,000$300,000$1,996None

Down Payment Summary

Down Payment

$80,000

20% of $400,000

Cash Needed

$88,000

Down payment + closing

Home Price$400,000
Loan Amount$320,000
Closing Costs$8,000
Monthly Payment$2,129

Adjust Down Payment

See how your down payment affects PMI and monthly costs

3% ($12,000)20% ($80,000)30% ($120,000)

Personalized Insights

2 insights based on your inputs

Good News

With 20% down, you avoid PMI—saving hundreds per month compared to lower down payments.

Note

Your estimated monthly payment of $2,129 should be no more than 28% of your gross monthly income for comfortable affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I put down on a house?

20% is ideal (avoids PMI), but 10-15% is common. FHA allows 3.5%, VA/USDA can be 0%. Consider: lower down payment = higher monthly payment and PMI. Higher down payment = less cash reserves. Balance depends on your emergency fund and other goals.

What is PMI and how much does it cost?

Private Mortgage Insurance protects the lender if you default. Required when down payment <20%. Costs 0.5-1.5% of loan annually ($100-300/month on $300k loan). Can be removed once you reach 20% equity. FHA MIP is similar but harder to remove.

What closing costs should I expect?

Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount. Includes: origination fees (0.5-1%), appraisal ($300-500), title insurance (0.5-1%), attorney fees, recording fees, prepaid taxes/insurance. Some are negotiable or can be seller-paid.

Is it better to put more down or invest the money?

Math depends on mortgage rate vs. investment returns. At 7% mortgage, 20% down saves ~$150/month in PMI plus interest. Market average is ~10%, but with risk. Guaranteed savings (mortgage) vs. potential gains (investing). Most prioritize 20% down first.

Can I use gift money for a down payment?

Yes, but rules vary by loan type. Conventional: typically need 5% from own funds if putting <20% down. FHA: 100% can be gifted. VA/USDA: gifts allowed. Gift letter required stating no repayment expected. Lender will verify source of funds.

Formula:
By Joseph OrdunaHow this works

How this works

Calculations are run entirely in your browser. No inputs are sent to our servers and no account is required. Formulas follow standard US definitions from the IRS and the CFPB where applicable; international users should confirm local tax and regulatory rules apply.

What this tool can’t do

When to consult a professional

This is a software engineering tool, not financial advice. Run the math here, then take the result to a certified financial planner, CPA, or your bank before making a decision that materially affects your money.

Sources

  1. [1]
    Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
    Official sourceconsumerfinance.govAccessed Apr 21, 2026

    US consumer finance regulator; authoritative on mortgage disclosures, APR rules, credit cards.

Joseph Orduna
Founder & Software Engineer

Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).