Auto Loan Calculator

Estimate your monthly car payment, total interest, total loan cost, and amount financed after price, down payment, trade-in value, and sales tax. This free auto loan calculator helps you compare car financing scenarios.

Results

Amount Financed
$0
Monthly Payment
$0
Monthly Payment + Extra
$0
Total Interest
$0
Total Loan Cost
$0
Estimated Payoff Time
0 mo

Enter your vehicle and loan details and click Calculate to estimate your auto loan payment.

How this auto loan calculator works

This auto loan calculator estimates your monthly car payment based on vehicle price, down payment, trade-in value, sales tax, fees, interest rate, and loan term.

It first calculates the amount financed, then uses the standard amortizing loan payment formula to estimate monthly payment, total interest, and total loan cost. If you add an extra monthly payment, it also estimates how much faster the loan could be paid off.

What to enter

  • Your vehicle purchase price
  • Your down payment amount
  • Your trade-in value
  • Your sales tax rate
  • Your loan interest rate
  • Your loan term in months
  • Any fees or extras rolled into the loan
  • Any extra monthly payment you want to make

What the results mean

  • Amount Financed: total amount borrowed after down payment, trade-in, tax, and fees
  • Monthly Payment: estimated required payment
  • Monthly Payment + Extra: payment if you choose to pay more each month
  • Total Interest: estimated total interest over the loan
  • Total Loan Cost: total paid over the life of the loan
  • Estimated Payoff Time: how long repayment may take with extra payments

Auto loan calculator formula

The amount financed is estimated with:

Amount Financed = Vehicle Price + Sales Tax + Fees - Down Payment - Trade-In

Monthly payment is then calculated using the standard amortizing loan formula:

M = P × [r(1 + r)n] / [(1 + r)n - 1]

Where:

Tips for using an auto loan calculator

A bigger down payment helps

A larger down payment reduces the amount financed, which can lower your monthly payment and total interest paid.

Watch long loan terms

Longer loan terms can reduce the monthly payment, but they often increase the total interest paid over time.

Include fees for accuracy

Dealer fees, registration, warranties, and other extras can affect the real amount financed if they are rolled into the loan.

Extra payments can reduce interest

Even small extra monthly payments may shorten your payoff timeline and lower total interest cost.

Frequently asked questions

How much should I put down on a car?

Many buyers aim for a down payment large enough to reduce the amount financed and avoid being upside down on the loan, but the right amount depends on your budget and trade-in value.

Should I choose a shorter loan term?

A shorter term usually means a higher monthly payment but lower total interest. A longer term lowers monthly cost but can increase the total paid overall.

Does this calculator include insurance?

No. This auto loan calculator estimates principal and interest financing only. Insurance, fuel, maintenance, and other ownership costs are not included.

Can a trade-in lower my loan?

Yes. A trade-in can reduce the amount you need to finance, which may lower your monthly payment and total interest cost.

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