HELOC calculator: How much home equity can I use?
If you’re considering tapping into your home’s equity to finance home improvements, consolidate debt or cover large expenses, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)1 might be a great option.
Our HELOC calculator can help you better understand how much of your home equity you can use.
HELOC Calculator
Get an instant estimate of your borrowing potential with our HELOC qualification calculator. By inputting your home’s value, current mortgage balance and other relevant details, you can get a clearer picture of how much equity is available to you.
HELOC FAQs
A Home Equity Line of Credit is a financing solution that lets you tap into the equity you’ve built in your home and convert it into a flexible line of credit. Think of it as having funds on demand — you can withdraw what you need when you need it. This kind of flexibility is great for homeowners looking for help managing unexpected expenses.
Because a HELOC lets you use your built-up equity, you’re using your home as collateral. So, you can also think of a HELOC as a second mortgage, one that comes with variable interest rates that could change over time.
That means you’ll be responsible for two payments each month: one for your original mortgage, and one for your HELOC.
Ready to tap into your equity? Submit a HELOC application today!
Here are just three of the many benefits that come from using our HELOC calculator:
- Estimate your borrowing potential: Our HELOC qualification calculator gives you a quick look at how much of your home’s equity you may be able to access.
Plan for your financial future: Results could help you better determine how to meet your goals, whether it’s a renovation project, paying for a wedding or education expenses.
Make informed decisions: Knowing how much you could borrow through a HELOC may help you narrow down your options and confidently select a financing solution.
As part of the HELOC application process, our Rate underwriting team evaluates the following key factors to determine if you qualify:
- Credit score: 640 minimum
- Debt-to-income ratio: 50% maximum.
- Combined loan-to-value ratio: 85% maximum
- Property types: Single-family homes, townhomes and condos are all eligible
A HELOC is a flexible solution that can be used for a variety of financing needs. Here are a few common HELOC uses.
Home improvements
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen, landscaping your backyard or tackling any other upgrade or renovation, a HELOC can help fund it.
Debt consolidation
Use a HELOC to combine high-interest credit cards or loans into one streamlined payment.
Education costs
A Home Equity Line of Credit can be used to cover education costs, such as tuition fees.
Unexpected expenses
From emergency medical bills to sudden car repairs, a HELOC provides a financial cushion that can help cover unexpected costs.
A home equity line of credit has a revolving balance. Think of it like a credit card - it allows you to borrow money, pay it back and borrow again. The interest rate on a HELOC is often variable, and you only pay interest on the amount you borrow.
A home equity loan is a fixed-term one where you receive an upfront lump sum. You make regular payments over time, and since they typically come with a fixed interest rate, monthly payments are predictable.
If you’re wondering if there’s a “How much HELOC can I get” calculator, you’ve come to the right place! Our calculator helps you get a feel for the maximum amount you can borrow.
That said maximum HELOC amounts depend on several factors, including your:
- Home’s value — the more valuable your home, the higher your potential credit line.
- Outstanding mortgage balance — the amount you owe on your current mortgage impacts how much equity you have left to borrow.
- Credit score — a strong credit score and solid financial history could mean higher credit limits.
- Debt-to-income ratio — your income compared to your debts helps assess your ability to repay.


How can I apply for a HELOC?
Applying for a HELOC through Rate is easy! Use our HELOC calculator to get an estimate on what you may be able to borrow based on your home’s value and mortgage balance. Then, simply complete our hassle-free digital HELOC application.2
It takes just five minutes to apply and, if approved, you could have money in your pocket in as little as five days.3