15-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Calculator
A popular alternative to the 30-year mortgage. The 15-year fixed offers significantly lower total interest costs with moderately higher monthly payments. Rates are typically 0.25-0.50% lower than 30-year fixed.
= $80,000
Payment Breakdown
Who Should Choose a 15-Year Fixed Mortgage?
Buyers who can handle higher monthly payments and want to save substantially on interest over the life of the loan.
15-Year Fixed Payments by Home Price
| Home Price | Down (20%) | Monthly P&I | Total Interest | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $150,000 | $30,000 | $1,045 | $68,159 | $188,159 |
| $200,000 | $40,000 | $1,394 | $90,879 | $250,879 |
| $250,000 | $50,000 | $1,742 | $113,599 | $313,599 |
| $300,000 | $60,000 | $2,091 | $136,318 | $376,318 |
| $350,000 | $70,000 | $2,439 | $159,038 | $439,038 |
| $400,000 | $80,000 | $2,788 | $181,758 | $501,758 |
| $450,000 | $90,000 | $3,136 | $204,478 | $564,478 |
| $500,000 | $100,000 | $3,484 | $227,197 | $627,197 |
| $600,000 | $120,000 | $4,181 | $272,637 | $752,637 |
| $700,000 | $140,000 | $4,878 | $318,076 | $878,076 |
| $750,000 | $150,000 | $5,227 | $340,796 | $940,796 |
| $800,000 | $160,000 | $5,575 | $363,516 | $1,003,516 |
| $900,000 | $180,000 | $6,272 | $408,955 | $1,128,955 |
| $1,000,000 | $200,000 | $6,969 | $454,395 | $1,254,395 |
$400,000 Home — 15-Year Term by Rate
| Rate | Monthly P&I | Total Interest | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5% | $2,615 | $150,640 | $470,640 |
| 6% | $2,700 | $166,062 | $486,062 |
| 6.5% | $2,788 | $181,758 | $501,758 |
| 6.75% | $2,832 | $189,708 | $509,708 |
| 7% | $2,876 | $197,725 | $517,725 |
| 7.25% | $2,921 | $205,809 | $525,809 |
| 7.5% | $2,966 | $213,959 | $533,959 |
| 8% | $3,058 | $230,456 | $550,456 |
15-Year Fixed vs 30-Year Fixed Comparison
On a $400,000 home with 20% down:
| 15-Year Fixed | 30-Year Fixed | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | 6.5% | 7% | -0.50% |
| Monthly Payment | $2,788 | $2,129 | $659 |
| Total Interest | $181,758 | $446,428 | $264,671 |
| Total Cost | $501,758 | $766,428 | $264,671 |
Choosing a 15-Year Fixed saves $264,671 in total interest compared to a 30-year fixed mortgage.
True Cost: 15-Year Fixed Mortgage on a $400,000 Home
What to Know About 15-Year Fixed Mortgages
A 15-Year Fixed fixed-rate mortgage locks in your rate at 6.5% for the entire 15-year term. Your principal and interest payment never changes, making budgeting predictable.
- Build equity faster. With a 15-year term, you own your home outright in 15 years and pay far less interest.
- Interest costs matter. On $400,000, a 15-Year Fixed costs $181,758 in total interest. That's $264,671 less than a 30-year mortgage.
- Rate lock timing. Lock your rate when you find a good deal — rates can change daily. Most locks last 30-60 days.
- Extra payments help. Even on a 15-year term, making one extra payment per year can shave years off your mortgage and save thousands in interest.
Frequently Asked Questions — 15-Year Fixed Mortgages
What is the current 15-Year Fixed mortgage rate?
Typical 15-Year Fixed rates are around 6.5%. Rates vary by lender, credit score, and market conditions. Borrowers with 740+ credit scores often qualify for rates 0.25-0.5% below average.
What is the monthly payment on a 15-Year Fixed mortgage?
On a $400,000 home with 20% down at 6.5%, the monthly payment is $2,788. Payments vary by home price — on a $300,000 home, it's $2,091/month.
Is a 15-Year Fixed mortgage better than a 30-year fixed?
A 15-Year Fixed has higher payments ($2,788 vs $2,129) but saves $264,671 in interest. Choose based on your timeline and risk tolerance.
How much total interest do I pay on a 15-Year Fixed mortgage?
On a $400,000 home with 20% down, total interest over 15 years is $181,758 — that's 57% of the loan amount.
Can I refinance from a 15-Year Fixed to a different term?
Yes. Refinancing lets you switch terms or rates when market conditions are favorable. Common reasons include lowering your rate, shortening your term, or accessing equity.
What credit score do I need for a 15-Year Fixed mortgage?
Most lenders require 620+ for conventional 15-Year Fixed mortgages. FHA loans accept 580+. For the best 15-Year Fixed rates, aim for 740 or higher.
How do extra payments affect a 15-Year Fixed mortgage?
Extra principal payments reduce your balance faster, saving interest and shortening your term. Even $100 extra per month on a $320,000 loan can save thousands in interest and pay off years early.
Should I choose a 15-year fixed over an ARM?
A fixed-rate 15-Year Fixed gives you payment certainty — your rate never changes. ARMs offer lower initial rates but carry adjustment risk. Choose fixed if you value predictability and plan to stay long-term.