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    CLTV Calculator

    Updated: February 17 2026 • 6 min read

    Written by Bennett Leckrone
    Bennett Leckrone

    Written by
    Bennett Leckrone
    Writer / Reviewer / Expert

    Bennett Leckrone is the editorial manager and an analyst for Lower. He specializes in making complicated mortgage topics accessible for consumers. That includes both in-depth product guides and in-depth analysis on what economic moves mean for homebuyers and refinancers. He was previously a business reporter with a focus on higher education and fintech at BestColleges. In that role, he reported on the development of fintech and AI curriculum, as well as the rapidly changing nature of finance education. He also wrote guides to help business students navigate AI and online education. He also reported on state politics at Maryland Matters, with a focus on how policy affected people and businesses. He holds a bachelor of science in journalism degree from Ohio University.
    Our Editorial Standards

    Key Takeaways

    • Our combined loan-to-value (CLTV) calculator can help you estimate how much total mortgage-related debt you have compared with your home’s value, including your first mortgage plus any home equity loan or HELOC balance.
    • This calculator estimates borrowing capacity using a target maximum CLTV, then subtracts what you already owe to estimate how much more you may be able to borrow.
    • CLTV thresholds matter because they can affect eligibility, pricing, and mortgage insurance decisions, especially around common breakpoints like 80 percent.
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    CLTV Calculator

    Estimate how much you might qualify to borrow using a custom combined loan-to-value (CLTV).

    How this calculator works

    This calculator estimates borrowing capacity based on CLTV, which compares your total mortgage-related debt to your home’s value:

    CLTV = (Mortgage balance + other home equity loans/HELOCs) ÷ estimated home value

    If you choose a maximum CLTV (often around 80–90%), the calculator estimates the maximum total debt allowed and subtracts what you already owe to estimate how much more you might be able to borrow.

    Include any existing second mortgage, HEL, or HELOC balance (if any).
    %
    This is an illustrative limit you can customize (common ranges are ~80%–90%).
    Get Results
    Illustrative estimate only (not financial advice). Results depend on lender rules, credit, income, appraisal value, property type, occupancy, and other underwriting factors.

    Your Results

    How much you can borrow
    —
    Current debt vs. CLTV limit
    — —

    How Our CLTV Calculator Works

    Combined loan-to-value (CLTV) is a common metric in home equity loans in deciding how much you can borrow. Many lenders use CLTV caps for home equity loans, often around 80%.

    This calculator estimates borrowing capacity based on maximum CLTV, which compares your total mortgage-related debt to your home’s value.

    Our CLTV formula combines your mortgage balance with other home equity loans, and then divides by your estimated home value. 

    Then we weigh that against borrow capacity, or the maximum combined-loan-to-value. 

    In purchase transactions, underwriting often uses a defined value basis, which can be the lesser of the sales price or appraised value depending on the program and transaction.

    Key Inputs For An Accurate CLTV Estimate

    Our CLTV calculator provides illustrative estimates. You'll need to consult with an expert loan officer to get an accurate picture of your CLTV.

    Here are some important inputs for our calculator: 

    • Estimated home value, or your appraised value if you have one.
    • Your current first mortgage balance.
    • Other home-secured balances, such as a second mortgage, home equity loan, or the outstanding HELOC balance.
    • Maximum CLTV target, or the limit you want to test. 

    f you are close to a major threshold, even a small change in value or balances can change the result.

    Common CLTV Caps

    Exact caps vary by product, occupancy, and credit profile. These benchmarks are useful for planning.

    CLTV Threshold Why It Comes Up What It Can Mean In Practice
    80% Common breakpoint for risk and insurance conversations May reduce constraints compared with higher leverage, depending on the product
    90% Common planning target for higher-leverage scenarios May be possible for some products, with tighter requirements
    95% to 97% Higher-leverage tier used in certain agency programs Often limited to specific eligibility and documentation requirements

    Limitations And Considerations

    Home value drives the result. A lender’s appraisal or valuation method can change CLTV.
    HELOCs can also be evaluated differently depending on the program, including whether the calculation uses the outstanding balance or other measures.
    Product caps vary by loan type and property details. Freddie Mac publishes maximum LTV and related ratio requirements for conforming and super conforming mortgages, which illustrate how program rules set caps.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Is The Difference Between CLTV And LTV?

    LTV typically looks at one loan compared with the home’s value. CLTV includes all mortgages and home-secured debts compared with the home’s value, which gives a fuller view of total leverage.

    Does CLTV Include A HELOC?

    Yes. CLTV typically includes a HELOC along with your first mortgage and any other home-secured debt. Depending on the program, the way a HELOC is counted can vary.

    What CLTV Do Lenders Usually Want?

    There is no single universal number. Many borrowers test scenarios around 80 to 90 percent and then confirm product-specific caps with a lender.

    Can CLTV Affect Mortgage Insurance Decisions?

    It can be part of the broader leverage picture. For conventional PMI, the CFPB explains when borrowers may be able to request PMI cancellation based on equity and other requirements.

    How Often Should I Check My CLTV?

    Check it at least annually, and also any time you are considering a home equity loan, HELOC, cash-out refinance, or a refinance meant to change insurance or pricing tiers.

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