Pay it off faster

Extra Payment Calculator

Every extra dollar you pay goes straight to principal, which shrinks the balance interest is charged on. Even a modest amount each month can cut years off the loan and save tens of thousands in interest. Add an extra payment below and the calculator shows the exact interest and time you save.

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Your numbers

Down payment
= $80,000 down
Loan term
This week's US averages: 6.76% for 30-year, 6.09% for 15-year (updated Sep 2026). Your rate depends on credit and lender. Freddie Mac PMMS
Estimated monthly payment
$2,594/mo
Principal
$27511%
Interest
$1,80369%
Property tax
$36714%
Home insurance
$1506%
Loan amount
$320,000
Total interest
$297,081
Total cost
$754,514
principal, interest & fees
Payoff
Aug 2048
22 yr 2 mo
You'd save $130,870 in interest
Paying this way clears the loan 7 yr 10 mo early, in Aug 2048 instead of after the full 30-year term.
Over the life of the loan

Loan balance over time

$0$80K$160K$240K$320K5y10y15y20y
Crossover in year 14, the point where more of each payment builds equity than pays interest.

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Full breakdown

Amortization schedule

Every payment, split into principal and interest. Export it or print a copy.

YearPrincipalInterestBalance
2026$3,195$10,771$316,805
2027$6,721$21,210$310,084
2028$7,190$20,742$302,894
2029$7,691$20,240$295,203
2030$8,228$19,704$286,975
2031$8,802$19,130$278,173
2032$9,415$18,516$268,758
2033$10,072$17,860$258,686
2034$10,774$17,157$247,912
2035$11,526$16,406$236,386
2036$12,329$15,602$224,057
2037$13,189$14,743$210,867
2038$14,109$13,823$196,759
2039$15,093$12,839$181,666
2040$16,145$11,786$165,521
2041$17,271$10,661$148,249
2042$18,476$9,456$129,774
2043$19,764$8,168$110,010
2044$21,142$6,790$88,868
2045$22,616$5,315$66,251
2046$24,194$3,738$42,058
2047$25,881$2,051$16,177
2048$16,177$372$0
Why it works

Extra principal compounds in your favour

Interest each month is your balance times the monthly rate. Pay a little extra and the balance drops faster, so next month's interest is smaller, so even more of your regular payment attacks principal. That feedback loop is why a steady extra payment early in the loan is so powerful, and why the savings are largest when you start soon.

The green figure above shows your interest saved and how many years you shave off. Try $100, $250, and $500 a month to see how the payoff date moves.

How to pay extra

Monthly, yearly, or one lump sum

There is no wrong way to do it. A fixed amount each month is the simplest. A yearly lump from a tax refund or bonus works too. A single one-time payment early in the loan has an outsized effect because it removes interest for every remaining month. The calculator handles all three, so you can model whatever fits your cash flow.

Questions & answers

Frequently asked

Is it better to pay extra monthly or once a year?
Monthly usually wins by a little because the principal drops sooner and stays lower all year. But the difference is small, so pick whatever you will actually stick with.
Will my lender apply extra to principal automatically?
Not always. Some apply extra to the next payment instead. Note 'apply to principal' on the payment, and confirm with your servicer, so the extra actually reduces the balance.
Are there penalties for paying early?
Most US conventional mortgages have no prepayment penalty, but check your loan documents. If one exists, it usually only applies in the first few years.
Should I pay extra or invest instead?
It depends on your rate versus your expected investment return, and on how much you value guaranteed, tax-free savings. Paying down a mortgage is a certain return equal to your rate, which is compelling when rates are high.
MF
Marcus Fielding· Mortgage analyst & editor
Published June 2026 · Updated September 2026
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