When to use Loan Calculator
You're at the car dealership and the finance manager is about to walk you through a 72-month loan at 7.9% APR. Before you nod, pull up this page: enter the sticker price minus your trade-in, the rate, and the term. The amortization formula (M = P[r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1]) gives you the monthly payment in seconds — and the full schedule shows exactly how much of each payment goes to interest versus principal over the life of the loan. In month 1 of a 72-month loan, the majority goes to the lender, not the car. Useful for comparing a 48-month versus 60-month term side by side before signing. Your numbers never leave the browser.
- Compare a 48-month vs 60-month car loan before signing
- See how much total interest a personal loan will cost
- Verify a student loan monthly payment against a lender quote