HELOC Calculator: Estimate Your Borrowing Power
Bills Bottom Line
A HELOC gives you access to your home equity as a revolving credit line—borrow what you need, pay interest only during the draw period, then repay principal when repayment begins. Use the calculator above to estimate your credit line and both payments. The difference between the two numbers is the budget planning step most borrowers skip.
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HELOC Calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your max eligible amount, interest rate, and monthly payment.
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You have equity and you want to use a home equity line of credit to access it. The question is how much you can borrow, and what it would cost each month. The HELOC calculator above can help you find the answer.
A HELOC typically has two different payments: a lower one during the draw period when you might pay interest only, and a higher one when repayment begins and principal is included. The gap between those two numbers is the one most borrowers don't plan for.
A few calculations can put the cost of a HELOC in perspective. We'll walk you through how to use a HELOC calculator to run the numbers.
How much could you borrow with a HELOC?
A HELOC calculator estimates two numbers: how much you could borrow based on your home equity, and what your monthly payment could look like. During the draw period, you might make interest-only payments on what you have borrowed. When repayment begins, your payment increases to cover principal and interest on the full balance. Principal is the amount you initially borrowed.
Our HELOC calculator shows two outputs: your maximum credit line and your desired credit line. The max is the ceiling based on your home's equity. What you enter as your desired amount is what drives the payment estimate.You're not required to borrow the full maximum you're approved for.
How the maximum is calculated. Most HELOC lenders cap borrowing at 80% of your home's current market value minus your outstanding mortgage balance. That 80% figure is called your combined loan-to-value limit.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
| Home value | Mortgage balance | Max HELOC (80% LTV) |
|---|---|---|
| $400,000 | $250,000 | $70,000 |
| $500,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 |
| $600,000 | $350,000 | $130,000 |
Examples use 80% LTV — the standard cap for most lenders. Some lenders go to 85% or 90% for highly qualified borrowers.
For a full breakdown of how eligibility works, read more about HELOC requirements.
How do you use the HELOC calculator?
The calculator needs four pieces of information. Each one affects your result. Here's what to enter, and why it matters.
Step 1: Home value
Enter your current market value, or what your home is worth. The calculator uses a third-party valuation service to estimate it automatically. If your home isn't found, or the estimate looks off, enter your own figure. An appraisal or recent comparable sales in your neighborhood are your best benchmarks.
Step 2: Current mortgage balance
Enter the total you owe across all liens. That includes your primary mortgage plus any existing home equity loans or HELOCs. Check your most recent mortgage statement for the payoff figure. Missing even one balance could inflate your max credit line estimate.
Step 3: Desired line of credit
Enter the amount you want to borrow.. Your monthly payment estimate is based on this number. If you enter $50,000, the calculator shows the payment on $50,000, even if your max is $100,000. Start with what you need, not what you can get.
Step 4: Credit score range
Select the tier that matches your current score. Your credit score drives the estimated APR, which directly affects both payment outputs. Most card issuers show your score for free. You can also check for free scores with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion directly. If you're not sure of your exact score, select the tier just below where you think you are. It's better to see a slightly higher payment estimate than to be caught short.
What would your monthly HELOC payment be?
The calculator shows two payments. Both matter because they influence how affordable a HELOC is for you over the life of the loan.
Draw period payment
During the draw period, which is typically the first 5-10 years, your minimum payment may be interest only. You pay interest on what you have borrowed, nothing goes toward the principal balance yet.
The formula is straightforward: your balance multiplied by your annual rate, divided by 12. At $80,000 with an 8.99% APR, the payment is roughly $599 per month. At $50,000, it's $375. Your draw period payment is just one number to build your HELOC budget around. You also need to consider how adding principal into the mix increases your payment later.
Repayment period payment
When repayment begins, your payment shifts to cover both principal and interest on your full outstanding balance. The calculator assumes a 20-year repayment term, which is the most common. Here is what that shift looks like:
| Loan amount | Draw period (interest only) | Repayment period (P+I, 20yr) |
|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $225/mo | $270/mo |
| $50,000 | $375/mo | $450/mo |
| $80,000 | $599/mo | $719/mo |
| $100,000 | $749/mo | $899/mo |
Payments shown at 8.99% APR (Good credit tier, 680–739). Actual rate depends on your credit profile and market conditions at time of application.
The repayment term gap:what the calculator doesn't show
The calculator assumes 20 years for the repayment period. Many lenders offer 10 years instead. That is a meaningful difference, and it isn't shown in the calculator output.
| Loan amount | Repayment: 10 years | Repayment: 20 years (calculator) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $633/mo | $450/mo | +$183/mo |
| $80,000 | $1,013/mo | $719/mo | +$294/mo |
| $100,000 | $1,266/mo | $899/mo | +$367/mo |
10-year repayment payments calculated at 8.99% APR for illustration. Check your loan agreement for your specific repayment term.
Before you borrow, ask your lender two questions: what is my repayment term, and what will my payment be at that term? The calculator gives you the 20-year estimate, but the 10-year scenario is the one to confirm. For a deeper look at how the draw and repayment phases work together, learn how to calculate a HELOC payment.
What affects how much you could borrow?
Three variables determine your maximum credit line. The calculator runs all three simultaneously, but understanding each one helps you know what to change if the number comes back lower than you expected.
Home value
The higher your home's current market value, the more equity you have to borrow against. Use today's market value, not your purchase price. If your home has appreciated significantly, you may have more borrowing power than you think.
Mortgage balance
Every dollar you owe reduces the equity available to you. This includes your primary mortgage and any existing home equity loans or HELOCs. For example, a $500,000 home with a $400,000 mortgage has $0 available at 80% LTV. The wider the gap between what you owe and what your home is worth, the more you could borrow.
LTV cap
The 80% combined LTV cap is set by the lender, not the calculator. Some lenders allow 85% or 90% for highly qualified borrowers, meaning more borrowing power than the calculator shows. (Source: CFPB — consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-a-home-equity-line-of-credit-en-107/)
One factor the calculator doesn't show: debt-to-income ratio. Your lender will look at how much of your gross monthly income goes to debt payments. Most HELOC lenders use 43% as the upper limit — meaning your total debt payments, including the new HELOC repayment payment, cannot exceed 43% of your pre-tax income. (Source: CFPB — consumerfinance.gov)
The calculator estimates your credit line and payment. Your lender determines whether you're eligible for it.
How does your credit score affect your HELOC rate?
Your credit score is the single biggest lever on your HELOC rate, and your rate directly determines both payment outputs in the calculator. Here is what the difference looks like in dollars at an $80,000 balance:
| Credit score tier | Est. APR | Draw payment (interest only) | Repayment payment (20yr P+I) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent (740+) | 6.99% | $466/mo | $620/mo |
| Good (680–739) | 8.99% | $599/mo | $719/mo |
| Average (620–679) | 10.99% | $733/mo | $825/mo |
| Below average (<620) | 14.99%+* | $999/mo | $1,053/mo |
* Below average (<620): rate shown at 14.99% for illustration. Most mainstream HELOC lenders require a minimum credit score of 620. Options narrow considerably below that threshold — rates vary significantly by lender. (Source: Experian — experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-credit-score-do-you-need-for-a-heloc/)
At $80,000, the difference between Excellent and Average credit is $267 per month in the draw period and $205 per month in repayment. Over a 10-year draw period, that difference could add up to more than $32,000 in additional payments.
Rates are variable and tied to the Prime Rate. Most HELOCs use a variable rate, typically, the Prime Rate plus a lender margin. The Prime Rate is the rate banks offer to their most creditworthy customers; this rate was 6.75% as of March 12, 2026. If the Prime Rate rises, your payment rises with it. Most HELOCs have a lifetime rate cap that limits how high your rate can go. Check your loan agreement to see if your HELOC includes a lifetime rate cap and where it maxes out.
HELOCs typically carry lower rates than personal loans or credit cards since you're using your home as collateral. That lower rate comes with a significant condition: the lender could foreclose if payments are not made.
Bills Action Plan
Step 1: Run both numbers. Use the calculator to see your draw period payment and your repayment period payment. Write both down. The repayment number is the one to budget around for the long term, though your draw period payment also matters.
Step 2: Confirm your repayment term. The calculator assumes 20 years. Ask your lender whether your term is 10 or 20 years before you commit. At $80,000, the difference is $294 per month.. That question takes 30 seconds and could save you a significant budget surprise.
Step 3: Check your full eligibility picture. The calculator estimates your credit line and rate. Your lender will also look at income, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio.
Key terms in page
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Home equity | The portion of your home's value you own outright. It's the current market value minus your outstanding mortgage balance. |
| HELOC | Home equity line of credit. A revolving credit line secured by your home, up to a lender-approved limit. |
| Draw period | The phase, typically 10 years, when you can borrow from your HELOC. Minimum payments are usually interest only. |
| Repayment period | The phase after the draw period when you pay back principal and interest. Typically 10–20 years depending on your loan. |
| Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) | Your mortgage balance as a percentage of your home's value. Most HELOC lenders cap combined LTV at 80%. |
| Interest-only payment | A payment that covers only the interest that has accrued. It does not reduce the principal balance. |
| Amortization | Repaying a loan in equal installments that cover both principal and interest over a fixed term. |
| Variable rate | A rate that can change over time, typically tied to the Prime Rate. Most HELOCs are variable, which means your payment can rise or fall. |
| Prime Rate | A benchmark interest rate that moves with the federal funds rate. As of March 12, 2026, the Prime Rate is 6.75%. Most HELOC rates are Prime Rate plus a lender margin. |
| DTI (Debt-to-income ratio) | Total monthly debt payments divided by gross monthly income. Most HELOC lenders use 43% as the upper limit. |
What is the monthly payment on a $100,000 HELOC?
With good credit and an 8.99% APR, a $100,000 HELOC could have an interest-only draw period payment of around $749 per month. When repayment begins on a 20-year term, that could increase to approximately $899 per month. If your lender uses a 10-year repayment term, the payment could rise to around $1,266 per month. Your actual payment depends on your rate at the time of repayment and the repayment term in your loan agreement.
How much HELOC could I get on a $400,000 house?
It depends on what you owe. At 80% LTV, the maximum HELOC on a $400,000 home is $320,000 minus your current mortgage balance. If you owe $250,000, the maximum credit line would be $70,000. If you owe $300,000, the maximum drops to $20,000. Enter your actual numbers in the calculator above for a specific estimate. Some lenders go above 80% LTV for highly qualified borrowers, which could increase your maximum.
When does a HELOC payment increase?
Your payment increases when the draw period ends, typically after 10 years. During the draw period, your minimum payment covers interest only on what you have borrowed. When repayment begins, your payment shifts to cover both principal and interest on your full outstanding balance, amortized over the repayment term. The calculator shows both numbers so you can see the difference before you borrow.
What can you use a HELOC for?
HELOCs offer a flexible way to cover just about any expense. Common uses for HELOCs include:
Debt consolidation for high-interest credit cards and medical bills
Home improvements and repairs, major car repairs
Weddings
Financial emergencies
You could also use a HELOC to get through a temporary financial hardship if you lose your job or get sick and can't work.
Does using the HELOC calculator affect my credit score?
No. The calculator uses only the information you enter. It doesn't pull your credit report and has no impact on your credit score. When you move forward with an application, the lender will perform a credit inquiry, which may affect your score slightly.
Is a HELOC calculator the same as pre-approval?
No. The calculator provides an estimate based on your inputs. It's not an offer or commitment to lend. HELOC pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your application and given an initial green light, subject to full verification of income, employment, and property value. Use the calculator to estimate your numbers and understand what to expect. Then apply with a lender to get an actual offer.