Car Loan Payment Formula:
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The car loan payment formula calculates the fixed monthly payment required to repay a car loan over a specified term. It accounts for the principal amount, interest rate, and loan duration.
The calculator uses the standard loan payment formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the fixed payment that pays off the loan principal plus interest over the loan term.
Details: Understanding your exact monthly payment helps with budgeting and ensures you can comfortably afford the vehicle without financial strain.
Tips: Enter the total loan amount (after down payment), the monthly interest rate (annual rate divided by 12), and the loan term in months.
Q1: How do I convert annual rate to monthly?
A: Divide the annual percentage rate (APR) by 12. For example, 6% APR becomes 0.06/12 = 0.005 monthly rate.
Q2: Does this include taxes and fees?
A: No, this calculates principal and interest only. Add estimated taxes, registration, and insurance separately.
Q3: What's a typical car loan term?
A: Common terms are 36, 48, 60, or 72 months. Longer terms mean lower payments but more total interest.
Q4: How does down payment affect the calculation?
A: The principal (P) should be the amount after your down payment. A larger down payment reduces P and thus your monthly payment.
Q5: Are there prepayment penalties?
A: Some loans charge for early payoff. Check your loan terms if you plan to pay off early or make extra payments.