CalculationTime

Refinance Calculator

Break-even, payment relief and term-reset risk in one check.

Instant refinance answerLikely worth checking$193.84/mo saved · 19 month break-even
$193.84Monthly saving19 moBreak-even$3,500.00Upfront costs$54,652.26Lifetime saving
New term does not extend the remaining payoff period.

Live math canvas

Your numbers, formula and explanation together

Refinance Calculator: 19 months to break even. Old payment 3,038.43; new payment 2,844.59; monthly saving 193.84. Old remaining interest 461,529.67; new interest plus costs 406,877.41.

Formula applied

The exact method behind this answer

CalculationTime keeps the method visible so the number can be checked instead of blindly trusted.

Monthly payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)^−n). Monthly saving = old payment − new payment. Break-even months = closing costs ÷ monthly saving.
  1. Apply the formulaMonthly payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)^−n). Monthly saving = old payment − new payment. Break-even months = closing costs ÷ monthly saving.19 months to break evenOld payment 3,038.43; new payment 2,844.59; monthly saving 193.84. Old remaining interest 461,529.67; new interest plus costs 406,877.41.

Your live breakdown

Current inputs in the calculation

These values come from the controls above and update when the calculator changes.

Current loan balance
450,000 $
Current annual rate
6.5 %
Current years left
25 years
New annual rate
5.8 %
New term
25 years
Refinance costs
3,500 $

Resulting answer

19 months to break even

Old payment 3,038.43; new payment 2,844.59; monthly saving 193.84. Old remaining interest 461,529.67; new interest plus costs 406,877.41.

Answer
19 months to break even
Live support
Old payment 3,038.43; new payment 2,844.59; monthly saving 193.84. Old remaining interest 461,529.67; new interest plus costs 406,877.41.

Assumptions used

What this answer assumes

Estimate only; compare fees, term reset, lender rules and advice before refinancing.

  • Rates are fixed for the comparison period.
  • Closing costs are paid upfront and not rolled into the new loan unless entered in the balance.
  • Taxes, insurance, offset accounts and early-exit fees are outside the estimate.

Master’s Tip

How to use the result well

Master’s Tip: compare both payment saving and total interest. A longer new term can lower payment while increasing lifetime cost.

Printable record

What belongs in the saved calculation

Save the inputs, result, formula, assumptions, page URL and date together so the calculation can be reviewed later.

Current loan balance
450,000 $
Current annual rate
6.5 %
Current years left
25 years
New annual rate
5.8 %

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Explain it like I'm 12

The refinance calculator compares the current payment with the proposed refinance payment, then divides upfront costs by monthly savings to estimate break-even time.

Formula

Monthly payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)^−n). Monthly saving = old payment − new payment. Break-even months = closing costs ÷ monthly saving.

Worked example

A $450,000 balance at 6.5% over 25 years compared with 5.8% over 25 years saves about $202/month before costs. With $3,500 costs, break-even is about 17 months.

Professional note

Master’s Tip: compare both payment saving and total interest. A longer new term can lower payment while increasing lifetime cost.

Regional and unit assumptions

Standard amortising-loan mathematics. Treat as financial education, not personal financial advice.

Assumptions and limitations

Methodology & Accuracy

How this calculator is checked

CalculationTime pages are built around visible arithmetic: the formula, assumptions, worked example and practical limitations are shown so the result can be checked rather than simply trusted.

Formula used

Monthly payment = P × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)^−n). Monthly saving = old payment − new payment. Break-even months = closing costs ÷ monthly saving.

Standard or basis

Standard amortising-loan mathematics. Treat as financial education, not personal financial advice.

Where a calculator follows a named legal, trade or industry standard, that standard is cited visibly. Otherwise the page uses transparent general arithmetic and states its limits.

Master's Tip

Master’s Tip: compare both payment saving and total interest. A longer new term can lower payment while increasing lifetime cost.

Questions

What is refinance break-even?

It is the number of months needed for monthly savings to recover the refinance costs.

Can a refinance reduce payment but cost more?

Yes. Extending the loan term can lower the monthly payment while increasing total interest over time.