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How to Calculate a Car Loan Payment

Use the standard amortization formula to estimate a car loan’s monthly principal-and-interest payment, then compare APR, term, total cost, and ownership expenses.
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For a standard fixed-rate car loan with equal monthly payments, use M = L × i ÷ [1 − (1 + i)−n]. Here, L is the amount financed, i is the monthly interest rate as a decimal, and n is the number of monthly payments. The result estimates principal and interest—not insurance, fuel, maintenance, or other costs of owning the car.

Use the monthly payment formula

For a fixed-rate, fully amortizing loan with equal monthly payments:

M = L × i ÷ [1 − (1 + i)−n]

  • M = monthly principal-and-interest payment
  • L = amount financed
  • i = monthly interest rate as a decimal
  • n = number of monthly payments

For a nominal annual interest rate, a common estimate of the monthly rate is the annual rate divided by 12. Convert a term in years to months by multiplying it by 12. If the rate is zero, divide the amount financed by the number of payments. This formula assumes a fixed rate and equal scheduled payments; contract details can affect the final figures.

Worked example

Suppose you finance $25,000 at a nominal annual rate of 6% for 60 months. The estimated monthly rate is 0.06 ÷ 12 = 0.005, and the payment count is 60:

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$25,000 × 0.005 ÷ [1 − (1.005)−60] ≈ $483.32 per month.

This is an arithmetic illustration, not a statement about prevailing rates or a lender offer.

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Choose the right numbers to enter

Amount financed

Use the amount you will borrow, not automatically the car’s sticker price. Start with the negotiated vehicle price and costs included in the loan, then account for your down payment and trade-in credit. Add any remaining balance on a trade-in or other charges that are rolled into financing. The CFPB recommends considering upfront costs and amounts that reduce borrowing separately from ongoing ownership expenses: how much you can afford to borrow for a car.

Interest rate and APR

The formula uses a periodic interest rate. A common monthly estimate is the nominal annual interest rate divided by 12. Do not treat the interest rate and APR as interchangeable: the CFPB explains that APR includes fees and is a broader measure of borrowing cost, while the interest rate excludes fees. Compare APR with APR when evaluating offers; see the CFPB’s explanation of interest rate versus APR.

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Payment count

For a monthly schedule, multiply the term in years by 12. For example, a five-year term has 60 scheduled monthly payments. The term affects both the payment amount and how long interest accrues.

Estimate total payments and interest

Under the same fixed-payment assumptions, multiply the estimated monthly payment by the number of payments to estimate total scheduled payments. Subtract the amount financed from that total to estimate interest in this simplified calculation.

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That estimate may not equal the lender’s disclosed finance charge: fees and contract features can change the figures. Before signing, check the Truth in Lending disclosures for the payment amount and finance-charge information. The CFPB describes the key loan disclosures in its auto-loan Truth in Lending guide.

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Compare car loan offers fairly

Compare offers using the same amount financed, then review APR, term, monthly payment, total interest or finance charge, and total cost. Comparing only the monthly payment can hide the effect of a longer term. A longer term can reduce the scheduled payment while increasing total borrowing cost; the CFPB notes that a shorter term reduces total loan cost in its overview of auto loans and car-loan guidance.

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A loan payment calculator can help check the arithmetic. Chase’s car loan calculator estimates a payment using loan amount, APR, and term. Treat calculator output as an estimate until you have the lender’s contract details.

Judge affordability beyond the payment

A payment that fits your monthly budget does not capture the full cost of having a car. Include insurance, fuel, maintenance, and other ownership expenses when deciding how much to borrow. The CFPB’s car-affordability guidance discusses these costs alongside upfront expenses and borrowing.

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