THE DAD MATH
15 vs. 30 Year
See the payment and lifetime-interest tradeoff between loan terms.
Lifetime interest difference (30 minus 15)
$181,561
30-year principal & interest$1,517
15-year principal & interest$2,025
Additional monthly payment for 15 years$508
30-year total interest$306,107
15-year total interest$124,546
Both scenarios use the same loan amount and their own illustrative rate. Assumes all scheduled payments are made, with no extra principal, fees, taxes, insurance, or refinancing.
| Term | Monthly P&I | Total interest | Total P&I |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 years | $1,517 | $306,107 | $546,107 |
| 15 years | $2,025 | $124,546 | $364,546 |
These tools provide educational estimates based on your inputs, not an approval, commitment to lend, or rate quote. Rates shown are illustrative inputs, not APRs. Your actual loan terms and costs require a personalized review.
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