Loan-to-Value Calculator

Loan-to-Value Calculator

Calculate your loan-to-value ratio and determine PMI requirements

Calculated Loan Amount
$320,000.00

Loan-to-Value Calculator: Complete Guide

Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio is the percentage of your home's value that you're borrowing.LTV is calculated by dividing your loan amount by your home's appraised value or purchase price. This ratio is crucial for mortgage approval, interest rates, and determining whether you need PMI.

Our professional LTV calculator helps you understand your loan-to-value ratio, equity position, and PMI requirements. Essential for home buyers, refinancers, and homeowners tracking their equity buildup over time.

Quick Answer

To calculate LTV: Divide your loan amount by your home's value and multiply by 100. For example, a $300,000 loan on a $400,000 home = 75% LTV. LTV below 80% typically avoids PMI, while higher ratios may require private mortgage insurance.

Was this helpful?Feedback

Mathematical Foundation

LTV = (Loan Amount / Home Value) × 100

The loan-to-value ratio expressed as a percentage

Key Concepts:

Loan-to-Value Ratio

Represents the portion of your home's value that you're financing with a mortgage. Higher LTV ratios indicate more leverage and higher risk for lenders.

Home Equity

Your ownership stake in the property, calculated as home value minus loan balance. Equity increases as you pay down the mortgage and as property values appreciate.

Down Payment Impact

Larger down payments reduce LTV ratios. A 20% down payment results in 80% LTV, typically the threshold for avoiding PMI requirements.

LTV Ratio Categories and Implications

Excellent LTV (Below 60%)

Exceptional equity position with the best available terms.

Benefits: Best rates, no PMI, equity access options
Best for: Refinancing, home equity loans, investment properties
Characteristics: Strong equity cushion, low risk profile

Good LTV (60-80%)

Solid equity position with competitive mortgage terms.

Benefits: Competitive rates, no PMI (at 80% or below)
Best for: Standard mortgages, refinancing opportunities
Characteristics: Good equity, standard underwriting

Higher LTV (80-95%)

Limited equity requiring PMI and careful risk management.

Requirements: PMI, higher rates, stricter underwriting
Best for: First-time buyers, lower down payment situations
Characteristics: Higher risk, additional insurance costs

Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

PMI Basics

When Required

LTV above 80% typically requires PMI for conventional loans

Cost Range

Annual cost: 0.3% to 1.5% of loan amount, paid monthly

Payment Method

Usually added to monthly mortgage payment as separate line item

Tax Deductibility

May be tax deductible for qualified borrowers (consult tax advisor)

PMI Removal

Request Removal

Contact lender when LTV reaches 80% through payments or appreciation

Automatic Cancellation

Legally required cancellation at 78% LTV based on amortization schedule

Appraisal Option

New appraisal may support removal if property value increased

Refinancing

Refinancing with 80% or lower LTV eliminates PMI entirely

Example LTV Calculations

Example 1: First-Time Home Purchase

Home price: $350,000, Down payment: $70,000 (20%)

Loan Amount = $350,000 - $70,000 = $280,000
LTV = ($280,000 ÷ $350,000) × 100
LTV = 0.80 × 100 = 80%
Home Equity = $70,000 (20%)
PMI Required = No (exactly 80% LTV)

Result: 80% LTV, no PMI required, good equity position

Example 2: Low Down Payment Scenario

Home price: $400,000, Down payment: $20,000 (5%)

Loan Amount = $400,000 - $20,000 = $380,000
LTV = ($380,000 ÷ $400,000) × 100
LTV = 0.95 × 100 = 95%
Home Equity = $20,000 (5%)
PMI Required = Yes (above 80% LTV)

Result: 95% LTV, PMI required, limited equity

Example 3: Refinancing After Appreciation

Current value: $450,000, Remaining loan: $270,000

LTV = ($270,000 ÷ $450,000) × 100
LTV = 0.60 × 100 = 60%
Home Equity = $450,000 - $270,000 = $180,000
Equity Percentage = 40%
PMI Status = Excellent position for removal/refinance

Result: 60% LTV, excellent equity position, best rates available

Related Mortgage Calculators