Quick start
- Open the Refinance Calculator.
- Start with the fields shown on the Refinance Calculator page and enter values in the same units used by the labels.
- Use the first example, "Mortgage refinance: $280,000 balance, 7% now, 5.9% new, $4,500 costs", if you want to see a filled-out estimate before entering your own values.
- Calculate, read the formula line, then copy the result only after the amounts, rates, and term look right.
Best uses
These are the situations this tool is meant for. If your task is close to one of these, the examples and notes below can help you choose the right inputs.
- Compare a current loan with a possible refinance.
- Estimate monthly savings from a lower rate.
- Check how long closing costs may take to break even.
- See whether a longer term could reduce payment but increase cost.
What this calculator is for
Use this free refinance calculator to estimate new payment, monthly savings, closing-cost break-even time, total interest change, and total cost change. It is best for compare a current loan with a possible refinance. and for comparing scenarios before you rely on a number.
Good fit examples: Compare a current loan with a possible refinance. Estimate monthly savings from a lower rate.
What to enter
Finance estimates are sensitive to small input changes. Check whether a field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent before calculating.
- Start with the fields shown on the Refinance Calculator page and enter values in the same units used by the labels.
- Use annual rates as percentages, such as 6.5 for 6.5%, and keep monthly amounts in monthly fields.
- Try the first example first: $280,000 balance, 7% now, 5.9% new, $4,500 costs. Then replace one number at a time so you can see what changed.
Example walkthrough
Try the calculator example: Mortgage refinance: $280,000 balance, 7% now, 5.9% new, $4,500 costs. The example result is New payment and break-even estimate.
- Mortgage refinance uses $280,000 balance, 7% now, 5.9% new, $4,500 costs, and the result focuses on new payment and break-even estimate.
- Use shorter term as a quick comparison so the guide is not based on only one scenario.
Formula and steps
In plain language: The calculator estimates the current loan payment, rolls closing costs into the new balance, estimates the new payment, then compares monthly payment and total cost. If the result seems too high or too low, first check whether each field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent.
The formula line on the calculator page is there so the number is not a black box. If the estimate is surprising, check the formula line and the inputs before using the answer in a budget, comparison, or planning note.
How to read the answer
Start with the headline result. Then read the supporting lines to see what made the number larger or smaller, such as rate, term, principal, tax, fees, or contributions.
- Read the large answer first, because it is the main result the calculator is built around.
- Then read the supporting lines. They explain what drove the result, such as payment, interest, total cost, savings gap, return, or time.
- In plain language: The calculator estimates the current loan payment, rolls closing costs into the new balance, estimates the new payment, then compares monthly payment and total cost. If the result seems too high or too low, first check whether each field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most bad finance estimates come from mixing rates, terms, monthly amounts, and annual amounts. The other common mistake is using a planning estimate as if it were a final quote.
- Do not mix monthly and annual amounts.
- Do not copy an answer before checking the rate and term.
- This does not include lender underwriting, taxes, escrow changes, credit rules, prepayment penalties, cash-out rules, or official loan disclosures. Real finance decisions can also depend on fees, timing, local rules, credit details, and provider-specific terms.
What to try next
A related calculator can help check the same money question from another angle before you rely on one result.
- Try mortgage payoff calculator next to compare the same question from another angle.
Sources and estimate notes
This guide links to public financial, consumer, statistical, or tax references where they are useful for understanding the calculator context.
Source links improve transparency, but they do not turn a quick calculator into professional advice or a final loan, tax, payroll, or investment answer.
Examples from the calculator
New payment and break-even estimate
Payment and interest comparison
Break-even estimate
FAQ in plain language
When should I use the Refinance Calculator?
Use it for early planning and side-by-side comparisons, especially for tasks like these: Compare a current loan with a possible refinance. Estimate monthly savings from a lower rate. Treat the answer as a planning estimate, not a final quote.
What is the Refinance Calculator doing with my numbers?
In plain language: The calculator estimates the current loan payment, rolls closing costs into the new balance, estimates the new payment, then compares monthly payment and total cost. If the result seems too high or too low, first check whether each field expects a monthly amount, annual amount, dollar value, or percent.
What does this estimate leave out?
This does not include lender underwriting, taxes, escrow changes, credit rules, prepayment penalties, cash-out rules, or official loan disclosures. Real finance decisions can also depend on fees, timing, local rules, credit details, and provider-specific terms.
Related tools
- Mortgage Payoff Calculator Estimate mortgage payoff time and interest saved from extra payments.
- Mortgage Calculator Estimate monthly principal, interest, taxes, insurance, PMI, and HOA costs.
- Interest Rate Calculator Estimate annual interest rate from principal, payment, and term.
Privacy and copying results
Recent answers stay visible only while you work in the current browser tab. They are not sent to a server.
Use Copy answer when you want to paste the expression and result into notes, homework, a message, or another document. Check the units and assumptions before copying.