Why Canadian mortgage calculations are different
Canadian mortgages are legally required to use semi-annual compounding โ not monthly like in the US. Most online calculators get this wrong and understate your true payment. Maple Numbers uses the exact formula lenders use. Enter your mortgage term to see your balance at renewal, and scroll the amortization table to see exactly where you stand in any given year.
| Year | Annual Payment | Principal Paid | Interest Paid | Balance Remaining |
|---|
๐จ๐ฆ Semi-Annual Compounding
Canadian law requires lenders to compound mortgage interest semi-annually. We convert this to your payment frequency using the exact formula โ not an approximation.
๐ก๏ธ CMHC Insurance
Down payments under 20% require mortgage default insurance of 2.8%โ4.0% of the mortgage. It's added to your balance โ not paid upfront โ and increases your total interest paid.
๐ Term vs. Amortization
Your amortization is the full repayment period (up to 30 years). Your term is just how long your current rate is locked in โ typically 5 years in Canada, after which you renew.
โก Accelerated Payments
Accelerated bi-weekly splits your monthly payment in two and pays it 26 times a year โ equivalent to one extra monthly payment annually, saving significant interest.