How is a basis point calculated?

A basis point is defined as one one-hundredth of a percentage point, which translates to 0.01%. When calculating the impact of a basis point on a loan amount, it is important to recognize that it equates to 0.01% of the total loan amount. Therefore, if you were to apply one basis point to a $100,000 loan, it would represent $10, which is indeed 0.01% of that amount.

In the context of finance and investing, basis points are commonly used to describe changes in interest rates, equity indices, and the yield of fixed-income securities. The precise calculation and understanding of basis points are crucial for mortgage loan officers, as even small changes can significantly affect the total cost of a loan or a client's payment structures.