Down Payment Calculator
See how different down payments affect your loan.
What this calculator helps you estimate
This calculator estimates loan amount, cash to close, and loan-to-value across common down payment scenarios.
Your down payment influences your loan amount, mortgage insurance, and cash to close. Explore common down payment percentages side-by-side.
Inputs
Purchase details
Currently synced from % → $100,000
Results
Cash to close
Interpretation
A larger down payment may reduce your loan amount, lower your monthly payment, and — on some programs — eliminate mortgage insurance.
Scenarios
Common down payment comparisons
| Down % | Down $ | Loan amount | Loan-to-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3% | $15,000 | $485,000 | 97.0% |
| 3.5% | $17,500 | $482,500 | 96.5% |
| 5% | $25,000 | $475,000 | 95.0% |
| 10% | $50,000 | $450,000 | 90.0% |
| 20% | $100,000 | $400,000 | 80.0% |
Not every percentage is available on every loan program.
Understand the math
How this calculator works
Your down payment size is one lever, but it moves three things at once: loan amount, monthly payment, and often mortgage insurance. This calculator lines up multiple down-payment percentages side by side on the same home price so the trade-offs are visible at a glance.
Worked example
$350,000 home price at 6.5%, 30-year term, comparing 3%, 10%, and 20% down.
- 3% down: $10,500 down, $339,500 loan, ≈ $2,145.87/month
- 10% down: $35,000 down, $315,000 loan, ≈ $1,991.01/month
- 20% down: $70,000 down, $280,000 loan, ≈ $1,769.79/month
Moving from 3% to 20% down lowers the estimated payment by about $376/month and typically removes mortgage insurance.
How to read your results
Interpretation guidance
- Each 1% more down payment reduces the loan amount by roughly 1% of the home price, which compounds into lower interest over time.
- Crossing the 20%-down line on a conventional loan usually eliminates private mortgage insurance from the payment.
- A smaller down payment preserves cash for reserves and closing costs — weigh liquidity against a lower rate risk profile.
- Down payment requirements differ sharply by program — VA and USDA can allow 0% down for eligible borrowers.
Deeper answers
More questions about this calculator
How much should I put down on a house?
It depends on the loan program, your cash reserves, and whether you want to avoid mortgage insurance. Many conventional loans allow 3% down; FHA typically 3.5%; VA and USDA can allow 0% for eligible borrowers.
Does a bigger down payment always help?
A larger down payment lowers your loan amount and monthly payment and can eliminate mortgage insurance — but it also uses cash that could otherwise serve as reserves or cover other costs.
How does down payment affect mortgage insurance?
On many conventional loans, mortgage insurance is required below 20% down and can typically be removed once you reach 20% equity.
Can gift funds be used for a down payment?
Often yes, subject to program rules on eligible donors and documentation. Ask a Vabasso expert about the requirements for your specific loan program.
Results are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a commitment to lend, loan approval, or official Loan Estimate. Actual rates, payments, costs, taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, eligibility, and loan terms may vary.
Related loan programs
Answers
Frequently asked questions
How much should I put down on a house?
It depends on the loan program, your cash reserves, and whether you want to avoid mortgage insurance. Many conventional loans allow 3% down; FHA typically 3.5%; VA and USDA can allow 0% for eligible borrowers.
Does a bigger down payment always help?
A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, lowers your monthly payment, and can eliminate mortgage insurance — but it also uses cash that could serve as reserves. The right balance is personal.
Next step
Numbers are helpful. A personalized strategy is better.
Review your scenario with a Vabasso mortgage expert. No pressure, no obligation — just clear guidance for your next move.