When is PMI required?

Lenders typically require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20% of the home price. PMI protects the lender — not you — and can usually be removed once your loan-to-value reaches 80%.

Is 20% down payment really necessary?

No. Many loan programs allow much lower down payments (FHA from 3.5%, conventional from 3%). A 20% down payment simply avoids PMI and lowers your monthly payment.

PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance — the four components of a typical monthly mortgage payment. When PMI applies, it's often included alongside PITI.

What if I enter both a down payment percent and amount?

Percent wins. The calculator computes the dollar down payment from the percent of the home price and ignores the amount field.

Down Payment Calculator

Free home down payment calculator. Enter the home price and either a down-payment percentage or amount, and get your loan amount, monthly principal & interest, property tax, homeowner's insurance, and PMI when your down payment is under 20%.

Calculate your down payment, loan amount, monthly P&I, taxes, insurance, and PMI in one place.