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Mortgage & Real Estate

Refinance Calculator

Compare your existing mortgage with a refinance offer to estimate the monthly payment change, total interest impact, and how long it takes closing costs to pay back.

Monthly savings

$247

Current payment$1,780
New payment$1,533
Break-even17 months
Total interest difference$25,000

When refinancing makes sense

Refinancing can be worthwhile if the new rate is materially lower, you plan to stay in the home long enough to recover closing costs, or you want to change the loan term to pay the balance off faster or reduce monthly cash flow.

Current vs. new monthly payment

Compare your existing payment with the refinance offer. Updates as you change the inputs.

Break-even worked example

For a $260,000 balance with 240 months left at 6.75%, refinanced to 5.5% over a new 30-year term with $4,000 closing costs:

ItemAmount
Current monthly payment~$1,976
New monthly payment~$1,476
Monthly savings~$500
Break-even (4,000 ÷ 500)~8 months

If you plan to stay in the home longer than the break-even point, refinancing is likely to be worthwhile, though a new 30-year term can raise total interest even as the payment falls.

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How it works

A refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new loan, usually to lower the rate, shorten the term, or change the payment structure. The savings depend on your remaining balance, closing costs, and new rate.

Savings = Old payment − New payment − Closing costs
Break-even time helps you see how long it takes to recover refinance costs.

Frequently asked questions

When is refinancing a good idea?

When the new rate is meaningfully lower or the loan term better matches your goals, and the savings outweigh closing costs.

Does refinancing always lower the payment?

No. It may lower the rate but extend the term, which can sometimes lead to a similar or even higher total cost.

How do I know if a refinance pays off?

Calculate the break-even point by dividing estimated closing costs by the monthly interest savings.

Do I need perfect credit?

Not necessarily, but stronger credit and equity usually help you qualify for better refinance terms.

Should I shorten the term?

It can save interest if the payment remains affordable; otherwise a rate-and-term refinance may be more practical.