Down Payment Calculator: Cash Up Front and Loan Amount
Work out the cash a home purchase needs up front, and how large a mortgage is left once the down payment is made.
Adjust the inputs and select Calculate for a full breakdown.
Compare Common Scenarios
How the numbers shift across typical situations for this calculator:
| Scenario | Down payment | Loan amount |
|---|---|---|
| 20% of $420k | 84,000 | 336,000 |
| 10% of $350k | 35,000 | 315,000 |
| 5% of $300k | 15,000 | 285,000 |
| 25% of $600k | 150,000 | 450,000 |
How This Calculator Works
Enter the home price and the down payment percentage you plan to put down. The calculator multiplies the price by the percentage to find the down payment in dollars, then subtracts it from the price to give the loan amount you would need to finance.
The Formula
Percentage of an Amount
Amount is the base value, Percentage is the rate applied to it
Worked Example
On a $420,000 home with a 20% down payment, the cash up front is $84,000 and the loan amount is $336,000. A smaller down payment lowers the cash needed but raises the loan and the interest paid over its life.
Key Insight
A 20% down payment is a common threshold because it usually removes the need for private mortgage insurance. Below 20%, lenders typically add that monthly cost until enough equity is built.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I put down on a home?
A 20% down payment avoids private mortgage insurance on most loans. Some loan programs allow far less, at the cost of a larger loan and added insurance.
What is private mortgage insurance?
It is an insurance premium lenders require when the down payment is below about 20%. It protects the lender, adds to the monthly cost, and can usually be removed once enough equity builds.
Does the down payment include closing costs?
No. Closing costs — fees, taxes, and prepaid items — are separate from the down payment and typically add a few percent of the price on top.
How does the down payment affect the mortgage?
A larger down payment means a smaller loan, lower monthly payments, and less total interest. It also strengthens the loan application in the lender's eyes.
What loan amount will I need?
The loan amount is the home price minus the down payment. The calculator shows it directly, so you can carry it into a mortgage payment calculator.
Related Calculators
Data Sources & Benchmarks
This calculator draws on 3 independent, dated sources. The starting values for home price are taken from the benchmarks below and refresh whenever the snapshots are updated.
Methodology & Review
The down payment is the home price multiplied by the down payment percentage; the loan amount is the price minus the down payment. Closing costs are separate and not included.
Written by Ugo Candido · Last updated May 17, 2026.