Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate financed amount, monthly car payment, and interest using price, down payment, trade-in, sales tax, dealer and title fees, APR, and term lengths common for new and used vehicles. Educational model only — dealer cash, manufacturer incentives, and state DMV rules can change your out-the-door numbers.
Educational estimate
If off, tax is excluded from principal.
Financed principal
$33,250
Monthly payment
$650.57
Total interest
$5,784
Total paid on loan
$39,034
| # | Principal | Interest | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $470.47 | $180.10 | $32779.53 |
| 2 | $473.02 | $177.56 | $32306.51 |
| 3 | $475.58 | $174.99 | $31830.93 |
| 4 | $478.16 | $172.42 | $31352.77 |
| 5 | $480.75 | $169.83 | $30872.03 |
| 6 | $483.35 | $167.22 | $30388.68 |
| 7 | $485.97 | $164.61 | $29902.71 |
| 8 | $488.60 | $161.97 | $29414.10 |
| 9 | $491.25 | $159.33 | $28922.86 |
| 10 | $493.91 | $156.67 | $28428.95 |
| 11 | $496.58 | $153.99 | $27932.36 |
| 12 | $499.27 | $151.30 | $27433.09 |
Auto Loan & Car Payment Guide
Use this page to reason about financed principal, monthly car payment, and total interest before you sign. Pair it with our Sales Tax Calculator if you are isolating tax on price alone, or the Loan Calculator for any fixed-rate installment loan.
What goes into financed amount?
Most buyers care about “how much am I borrowing?” This tool starts from the vehicle price, subtracts your cash down payment and trade-in allowance, then adds title and dealer fees (and optionally sales tax) to approximate the amount the lender finances. If you pay tax or fees outside the loan, enter zero for tax rate or reduce fees accordingly.
Fixed-rate payment formula
For a standard auto loan with a fixed APR and equal monthly payments, the monthly payment M satisfies the amortization relation from principal P, monthly rate r (APR ÷ 12), and term n months:
M = P × r × (1 + r)n / ((1 + r)n − 1)Typical auto loan terms
| Term | Why buyers choose it |
|---|---|
| 36–48 months | Higher payment, less total interest, faster payoff. |
| 60 months | Very common new-car structure; balances payment size and interest. |
| 72–84 months | Lower monthly payment; more total interest and slower equity build-up. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the first table “exact” for my deal?
It is a mathematical schedule at the APR you enter. Your contract may include payment rounding, gap insurance, credit insurance, or a slightly different first-payment date. Always match the lender’s disclosure.
Should I compare 60 vs 72 months?
Yes. Change only the term and compare total interest and monthly payment. A longer term reduces cash flow pressure but increases interest unless you pay ahead.
How is this different from a home mortgage?
Auto loans are usually shorter and may have different credit tiers. For property taxes, insurance, and PMI on a house, use our Mortgage (PITI) Calculator.