Extra Payment Decision

Should I Pay Extra on My Mortgage?

Paying extra on your mortgage is one of the highest-return, zero-risk financial moves available — if your rate is above 5%. This calculator shows exactly how much you save and how much faster you become debt-free.

Loan Details

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%
$

Year 1 = start from month 1. Year 5 = start at the beginning of year 5.

Extra Payment Strategy

Pay off6 yr 4 mo soonerWith $200/mo extra, you save $116,387 in interest.

Total Interest (Standard)

$471,426

Total Interest (With Extra)

$355,039

Standard Payoff Time

30 yr 1 mo

New Payoff Time

23 yr 9 mo

Balance Over Time

Standard pace
With extra payment

Estimates based on your inputs. Actual results may vary. Terms →

How much faster with different extra amounts?

Here’s how your payoff timeline changes as you increase your monthly extra payment.

Extra/moTime savedInterest saved
$100 3 yr 8 mo$67,739
$200 (Your scenario)6 yr 4 mo$116,387
$500 11 yr 8 mo$206,948

*Based on your inputs: $350,000 at 6.8%

Frequently asked questions

What to calculate next

What different extra amounts actually do

Small but consistent

+$100/mo
  • Saves ~$45,000 in interest
  • Pays off ~3.5 years sooner
  • Costs less than a streaming subscription/day
Most popular

Meaningful impact

+$200/mo
  • Saves ~$80,000 in interest
  • Pays off ~6 years sooner
  • Equivalent to a guaranteed 6.8% return

Aggressive payoff

+$500/mo
  • Saves ~$140,000 in interest
  • Pays off ~12 years sooner
  • Best for those nearing retirement

Based on $350k loan at 6.8%. Your results update automatically above.

When extra payments make sense

Pay extra if:

  • Mortgage rate above 5%
  • Emergency fund is solid
  • No high-interest debt
  • Peace of mind matters

Consider investing instead if:

  • Mortgage rate below 4%
  • No employer 401k match yet
  • Market returns likely exceed your rate
  • You need liquidity

Estimates based on your inputs. Actual results may vary. Terms →