FinanceUpdated May 2026

Loan Calculator

Calculate monthly loan payments, total interest, and view amortization schedule. Free online loan payment calculator.

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Updated 2026

Monthly Payment Formula & Example

Formula: M = P × r × (1 + r)^n ÷ ((1 + r)^n − 1), where P = principal, r = monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12), n = total payments.

Example: P = $10,000, APR = 6% → r = 0.06/12 = 0.005, n = 36 → M ≈ 10,000×0.005×(1.005)^36/((1.005)^36−1) ≈ $304.22

What is a loan payment?

A loan payment is the fixed amount you pay a lender each month to repay borrowed money plus interest. The size of the payment depends on three things: the principal (amount borrowed), the annual interest rate, and the loan term in months. Whether you want to figure out a monthly payment, work out the total interest, or compare two loan offers, the standard amortization formula M = P × r(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n − 1) gives the answer for mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and personal loans alike.

Loan Payment Calculator

Use this free loan payment calculator to find the monthly payment, total interest, and amortization schedule for any fixed-rate loan.
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Enter the details to see results

Start Calculating Your Loan

Enter loan parameters on the left, then click "Calculate Loan" to see results

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How Loan Payments are Calculated

1

Loan Amount

We calculate the principal by subtracting your down payment from the total loan amount.

2

Monthly Payment

Using the principal, interest rate, and term, we calculate your fixed monthly payment.

3

Amortization

Each payment is split between principal and interest, with early payments going more toward interest.

What factors affect your loan payment?

  • Loan Amount: The total amount you're borrowing after down payment
  • Interest Rate: Higher rates mean higher monthly payments and more total interest
  • Loan Term: Longer terms have lower monthly payments but more total interest
  • Down Payment: Larger down payments reduce your loan amount and monthly payment

Verified accuracy

Cross-checked against authoritative formulas (IRS, NIST, ACM) and updated for 2025/2026 tax years and rates.

Instant results

No server roundtrip. All math runs in your browser so results appear the moment you finish typing.

Your data stays private

We never collect, store, or transmit your inputs. Every calculation runs locally in your browser.

Learn as you calculate

Each calculator includes the formula, plain-English explanation, and FAQs so you understand the result.

Estimates only. Calculator results are for educational and planning purposes — not professional advice. For binding decisions on taxes, investments, health, or legal matters, consult a qualified professional.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about this calculator. Can't find what you're looking for? Email our team.

A loan payment calculator is a free tool that estimates the monthly payment, total interest, and total cost for any fixed-rate installment loan. Our loan payment calculator works for personal loans, mortgages, auto loans, and student loans. The loan payment calculator shows the full amortization schedule and total interest paid over the life of the loan.

How it works

How to calculate monthly loan payments

Our loan payment calculator estimates your monthly payment, total interest, and full repayment schedule in four quick steps.

  1. 1

    Enter the loan amount

    Type the total amount you want to borrow in the Loan Amount field. This is the principal before any down payment.

  2. 2

    Enter the interest rate

    Type the annual interest rate (APR) as a percentage, for example 6.5. The calculator converts it to a monthly rate automatically.

  3. 3

    Enter the loan term

    Type the loan length in years, for example 30 for a 30-year loan. The calculator multiplies by 12 to get the number of monthly payments.

  4. 4

    Add a down payment if applicable

    If you are paying part of the price up front, type that amount in the Down Payment field. The monthly payment is calculated on the principal minus down payment.

  5. 5

    Read the result

    The calculator shows the monthly payment, total interest, total cost, and an amortization schedule for the first 12 months.

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