Decision Center

Mortgage vs Mortgage Refinance Calculator

Buying a home vs restructuring an existing loan.

Use a Mortgage Calculator when you're pricing a new purchase. Use a Refinance Calculator when you already have a loan and want to lower the rate, shorten the term, or pull equity.

Option A

Mortgage Calculator

Estimates monthly payment, total interest, PITI, and amortization for a new home loan.

Pros

  • Perfect for first purchases
  • Includes taxes, insurance, PMI
  • Amortization schedule out of the box

Cons

  • Doesn't model closing-cost recovery
  • Not designed for existing loans

Best for

First-time buyersHome shoppingPre-approval planning

Typical user: Buyer comparing homes or setting a budget before making an offer.

Open Mortgage Calculator
Option B

Mortgage Refinance Calculator

Compares your current loan against a new rate/term and computes break-even months.

Pros

  • Shows break-even point
  • Handles cash-out scenarios
  • Models rate + term change together

Cons

  • Requires current loan details
  • Not useful for a first-time purchase

Best for

Rate-and-term refinanceCash-out equityShortening a 30-yr to 15-yr

Typical user: Existing homeowner asking 'is refinancing worth it?'.

Open Mortgage Refinance Calculator

The verdict

Buying? Start with the Mortgage Calculator. Already have a loan and rates have dropped 0.75%+? Run the Refinance Calculator to see the break-even.

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