Down Payment Calculator: Calculate Your Down Payment

How far can your savings go to buy a house? Use NerdWallet’s free down payment calculator to find out.

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Last updated April 28, 2025

You don’t need to put 20% down to buy a house. Some conventional loans require down payments as low as 3%. If you qualify for a USDA or VA loan, you can buy a house with no money down.

On the flipside, making a larger down payment lowers your monthly mortgage payment. Putting more money down can help you land a better interest rate, too. So how much should you put down on a house? Use NerdWallet’s free down payment calculator to find an amount that fits your budget.

Down payments: Quick tips and more resources

Saving for a down payment to buy a house can seem overwhelming, but small steps add up over time. Here’s a checklist of our best tips and other Nerdy resources to reach your money goals.

Figure out how much house you can afford. NerdWallet’s home affordability calculator is a good place to start.
See if you qualify for down payment assistance. Hey, there’s free money out there! Learn how down payment assistance programs work, and browse our big list of first-time home buyer programs in many states.
Accelerate your savings. Read our guide on how to save for a down payment.
Benchmark your progress. There’s no one-size-fits-all goal, but it can help to know the average down payment on a house.
Prepare for preapproval. Getting close to your goal? Learn how to get a mortgage, and see NerdWallet’s list of best no- and low-down-payment mortgage lenders.