Try it: Auto Loan Calculator
Enter vehicle price, down payment, rate, and term to see your monthly car payment.
Auto Loan Calculator
Calculate Your Auto Loan Payment
Enter vehicle price, down payment, and loan terms to see your monthly payment
How Auto Loan Calculations Work
Net Loan Amount
Subtract down payment and trade-in value from the vehicle price to get your actual loan amount.
Monthly Payment
Using the amortization formula, we calculate your fixed monthly payment over the loan term.
Interest Breakdown
Each payment splits into principal and interest, with early payments favoring interest.
Tips for getting the best auto loan:
- Improve your credit score: Higher credit scores typically qualify for lower interest rates
- Larger down payment: Reduces the loan amount and may qualify you for better rates
- Shorter loan terms: Less total interest paid, though monthly payments will be higher
- Shop around: Compare rates from banks, credit unions, and dealer financing
How our auto loan calculator works
Enter vehicle price and down payment
Type the negotiated price and any down payment, trade-in, or dealer rebate. The loan amount is price minus down payment.
Set rate and term
Type the APR (annual percentage rate) and loan term in months or years. Most auto loans are 36-72 months; longer terms lower payments but cost more interest.
Add sales tax if applicable
Enter your states sales tax rate. We compute tax on the vehicle price and add it to the loan principal so the monthly payment is accurate.
Key things to know about our auto loan calculator:
- Average APRs in 2025: Prime credit gets 5-7% on new cars, 8-12% for average credit, 15%+ for subprime.
- Term length matters: 60 months is a good rule of thumb; longer terms lead to being upside-down (owing more than the car is worth).
- Compare lenders: For total cost of ownership, pair with our loan calculator and refinance calculator for rate shopping.
For related calculations, try our loan calculator.
The full calculator also includes trade-in support, sales tax, and total cost of ownership.
Open the full finance calculatorWhat Determines Your Auto Loan Payment?
- Vehicle price: The sticker price minus any discounts and your trade-in value
- Down payment: Cash you pay upfront reduces the loan amount
- Interest rate (APR): Based on your credit score, loan term, and market rates
- Loan term: Typically 36, 48, 60, or 72 months
- Sales tax and fees: These can add 5-10% to the total cost
Real-World Example
You're buying a $32,000 vehicle with a $5,000 down payment and $3,000 trade-in:
- Loan amount: $32,000 - $5,000 - $3,000 = $24,000
- Interest rate: 6.5% APR for 60 months
- Monthly payment: $469
- Total interest paid: $4,171
- Total cost: $28,171
Loan Term: The Trade-Off
Longer loan terms reduce your monthly payment but increase the total cost. Here's the trade-off on a $24,000 loan at 6.5%:
36 months
$737/mo
Total interest: $2,515
60 months
$469/mo
Total interest: $4,171
72 months
$403/mo
Total interest: $5,098
The 72-month term saves you $66/month compared to 60 months, but costs an extra $927 in interest. Run different scenarios with our Auto Loan Calculator to find your sweet spot.
Tips for Getting the Best Auto Loan
- Get pre-approved: Apply at your bank or credit union before visiting the dealership
- Check your credit score: A score above 720 typically qualifies for the best rates
- Negotiate the price first: Focus on the vehicle price before discussing monthly payments
- Avoid long terms: Don't stretch payments beyond 60 months unless necessary
- Make a larger down payment: 20% down or more reduces your loan amount and interest costs
Plan Your Car Purchase
Before heading to the dealership, use our free Auto Loan Calculator to determine exactly what you can afford. Compare different loan terms, down payments, and interest rates to make the best decision.