Flagstone Digital

Home equity calculator: how much can you borrow?

Enter your home's value and what you owe to see your equity, and how much a lender might let you borrow against it.

Free · No sign-up · Updated October 2026

Home equity calculator

Your estimated equity$0
Lender limit (CLTV)Max total borrowingEquity you could access

Example numbers shown. Estimates only, before closing costs.

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How home equity works

Home equity is the part of your home you own outright. It's your home's current market value minus everything you still owe on loans secured by the home, such as your mortgage, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a second mortgage.

ExampleHome value: $650,000Mortgage balance: −$310,000Equity: $340,000 (about 52% of the home's value)

Your equity grows two ways: as you pay down your loan, and as your home's value rises. It can also shrink if home values fall.

How much equity can you actually borrow?

Lenders rarely let you borrow against all of your equity. Instead, they cap your combined loan-to-value (CLTV): the total of all your home loans divided by your home's value. A common cap is 80% for a conventional cash-out refinance. Home equity loans and HELOCs are often capped between 80% and 90%, depending on the lender, your credit and the property.

The formula is: home value × lender limit − what you owe.

Example at an 80% limit$650,000 × 80% = $520,000$520,000 − $310,000 = about $210,000 you may be able to access

What affects your number

  • Your home's value. Lenders use an appraisal or valuation, which may differ from online estimates.
  • Your credit and income. These affect the limit and rate a lender offers, and whether you qualify.
  • The type of loan. A cash-out refinance, a home equity loan and a HELOC each have their own typical limits.
  • The property. Limits are often lower for second homes, investment properties and some condos.

Ways to use your home equity

  • HELOC: a revolving line of credit on top of your current mortgage.
  • Cash-out refinance: a new, larger mortgage that replaces your current one, with the difference paid to you.
  • Debt consolidation: using equity to pay off higher-interest debts.

Borrowing against your home puts it up as collateral. Compare total costs, not just monthly payments, before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is a home equity calculator?

It's as accurate as the numbers you enter. The biggest unknown is usually your home's value. A lender will order an appraisal or valuation, which can come in higher or lower than your estimate.

Does checking my home equity affect my credit?

No. Using this calculator doesn't check your credit. A lender would only review your credit if you apply.

What is a good loan-to-value ratio?

Lower is generally better. Below 80% often gives you more borrowing options and can help you avoid mortgage insurance on some loans.

How can I estimate my home's value?

Look at recent sales of similar homes nearby, online estimates, or ask a real estate agent for a comparative market analysis. Treat all of these as rough until an appraisal is done.

Can I borrow 100% of my home equity?

It's rare. Most lenders cap total borrowing at 80% to 90% of your home's value, so some equity stays in the home as a cushion.

About this calculator

This calculator uses standard loan formulas and the numbers you enter. It runs in your browser, doesn't check your credit and doesn't save anything unless you choose to request options. Results are estimates for education only. Lenders set their own limits, rates and fees.

For independent guidance, see the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's homebuying resources.