Loan Payment Formula:
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The loan payment formula calculates the fixed monthly payment required to fully repay a loan over its term, including both principal and interest. This is known as the PMT (payment) formula for amortizing loans.
The calculator uses the standard loan payment formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula accounts for compound interest over the life of the loan, calculating a fixed payment that pays off both principal and interest over the term.
Details: Understanding your monthly payment helps with budgeting and comparing different loan options. It's essential for financial planning when purchasing a home.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in USD, annual interest rate as a percentage (e.g., 3.5 for 3.5%), and loan term in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Does this include property taxes and insurance?
A: No, this calculates only principal and interest. A complete mortgage payment may include taxes, insurance, and PMI.
Q2: How does loan term affect payments?
A: Shorter terms mean higher monthly payments but less total interest paid. Longer terms reduce monthly payments but increase total interest.
Q3: What's the difference between APR and interest rate?
A: The interest rate is the cost to borrow principal, while APR includes fees and other loan costs, giving a more complete picture of borrowing costs.
Q4: Can I calculate payments for extra payments?
A: This calculator assumes fixed payments. For extra payments, you would need an amortization calculator that accounts for additional principal payments.
Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides precise calculations for fixed-rate loans. Actual payments may vary slightly due to rounding or specific lender practices.