mortgages

Amortisation Schedule Explained

Understand amortisation schedules, principal vs interest, and why early repayments are mostly interest.

Updated Feb 2026

Amortisation Schedule Explained (Australia)

An amortisation schedule shows, period-by-period, how your repayment is split between:

  • Interest (cost of borrowing)
  • Principal (amount reducing the loan)

Why the early years feel slow

At the start, your balance is highest, so interest is highest. Over time, interest shrinks and principal grows.

Where to see it in MoneyWiseCalc

On the calculator page:

How to use an amortisation schedule (practical)

  • Compare two interest rates
  • Compare monthly vs fortnightly
  • Compare base vs extra repayments
  • Estimate remaining balance after X years

Tip: Pair this with extra repayments for maximum savings. Next: Extra repayments

Use the Home Loan Repayment Calculator

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