Free Financial Calculator Online

Car Loan Calculator

Estimate your monthly car payment including sales tax, fees, down payment, and trade-in, plus total interest and the full cost of the vehicle.

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Monthly payment
$645.52
Amount financed
$32,600.00
Sales tax
$2,100.00
Total interest
$6,131.14
Total cost of the car
$43,731.14

How it's calculated

A $35,000 car with $5,000 down, 6% tax, and $500 in fees finances $32,600; at 7% for 60 months that is $645.52 a month.

Car loans can be a dicey business where you’re left paying off a consistently depreciating asset. The most important thing is planning before so you know your loan payment schedule and where you stand financially.

A car loan is a type of personal loan used specifically for the purchase of a vehicle. This type of financing allows the borrower to pay off the vehicle’s price over a set period of time, referred to as the loan term. The loan amount is the price of the vehicle minus any down payment made. The lender charges interest on the loan, which is the cost of borrowing, and this is expressed as an annual percentage rate (APR). The loan term, typically expressed in months, is the period over which the borrower agrees to pay back the loan. The interest charged and the loan term together influence the size of the monthly repayments.

The Car Loan Calculator provided here can be an incredibly helpful tool for planning your car purchase. It allows you to input the total loan amount, the loan term in months, and the annual interest rate. By clicking “Calculate”, it provides an estimate of what the monthly payment would be given these inputs. It also calculates the total interest paid over the loan term. An amortization schedule is produced, detailing each payment for the life of the loan, breaking down how much goes to principal and interest each month, as well as showing the remaining loan balance. By using this tool, potential car buyers can have a clearer picture of the long-term costs of a car loan, and adjust their plans and budgets accordingly.

How To Use Our Car Loan Calculator

Enter the Loan Amount

Input the loan amount in dollars, the loan term in months, and the annual interest rate (in percentage form without the ‘%’ sign).

Enter Interest Rate

Input the interest rate on the loan. This is the amount added to the principal in exchange for being given the money. This is presuming the interest rate is fixed.

Calculate and review!

Click calculate and a table will be created below the “Calculate” button. Be sure to review the amortization schedule, which breaks down each monthly payment and shows how much goes towards principal and interest, as well as the remaining balance after each payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

›How is a car loan payment calculated?

First find the amount financed: price + sales tax + fees − down payment − trade-in equity. Then apply the loan formula M = P × i ÷ (1 − (1 + i)^−n) with the monthly rate i and number of months n.

›Does a trade-in reduce sales tax?

In most US states, yes: sales tax is charged on the price minus the trade-in value. A few states tax the full price, so check your state’s rules.

›What if I owe more on my trade-in than it is worth?

That negative equity is usually added to the new loan. Enter the payoff amount in “Owed on trade-in” and the calculator includes the difference in the amount financed.

›Is a 72- or 84-month car loan a good idea?

Longer terms lower the payment but cost more interest and raise the risk of owing more than the car is worth. Many advisors suggest keeping car loans to 60 months or less.

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