HELOC Payment Calculator
Calculate your monthly HELOC payment during the draw and repayment periods. Compare interest-only vs full payments for your Home Equity Line of Credit.
๐ณ HELOC Payment Calculator
Free ยท Instant ยท No registration required
| # | Payment | Principal | Interest | Balance |
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โ ๏ธ This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual loan payments may vary based on your lender's specific terms, fees, and your credit profile. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making major financial decisions.
About This HELOC Payment Calculator
A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a revolving credit line secured by your home's equity โ similar to a credit card but at much lower rates. Unlike a home equity loan (which gives you a lump sum), a HELOC lets you borrow, repay, and borrow again up to your credit limit during the draw period.
Most HELOCs have a 10-year draw period followed by a 20-year repayment period. During the draw period, you make interest-only payments. When repayment begins, payments jump significantly to cover both principal and interest โ our calculator shows you both phases.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your HELOC credit limit or expected balance as the loan amount.
Enter the current variable rate โ typically Prime Rate plus your lender's margin.
Enter the draw period (usually 10 years) and your total HELOC term.
Click Calculate to compare your low interest-only draw payment vs. the higher repayment period payment.
How the Payment Formula Works
Our calculator uses the standard loan amortization formula used by all US banks, mortgage lenders, and credit unions:
// Variables: M = Monthly payment amount P = Principal (loan amount) r = Monthly interest rate (APR รท 12 รท 100) n = Total number of monthly payments (term in months)
Each payment covers two components: interest (charged on your remaining balance) and principal (which reduces your balance). In the early months, more of your payment goes toward interest. As your balance decreases, more goes toward principal โ this is called front-loaded interest amortization.
How a HELOC Works and When to Use One
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving credit line secured by your home, similar in structure to a credit card but at much lower interest rates. Unlike a home equity loan that delivers a lump sum, a HELOC lets you draw funds as needed during a set draw period โ typically 5 to 10 years โ making it ideal for ongoing expenses like phased renovations.
HELOCs have two phases. During the draw period, you can borrow up to your credit limit and typically make interest-only payments. When the repayment period begins โ usually 10 to 20 years โ you can no longer draw funds and must repay both principal and interest. Monthly payments often increase significantly at this transition, so plan ahead.
Most HELOCs carry a variable interest rate tied to the prime rate. When rates rise, your payment rises with them. Some lenders offer a rate-lock option that lets you convert part of your balance to a fixed rate, adding payment predictability. Always ask about this feature when shopping for a HELOC.
If you prefer predictable fixed payments over a flexible credit line, a standard Home Equity Loan may be a better fit. For borrowers without sufficient home equity, our Personal Loan Calculator can help you explore unsecured alternatives that do not put your home at risk.