Amortization Formula:
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Loan amortization is the process of paying off a debt over time through regular payments. Each payment covers both interest and principal, with the interest portion decreasing and principal portion increasing over the loan term.
The calculator uses the amortization formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the fixed monthly payment required to fully repay a loan over its term, accounting for both principal and interest.
Details: Understanding your monthly payment helps with budgeting and financial planning. It also shows how much interest you'll pay over the loan term, helping you evaluate different loan options.
Tips: Enter the principal amount in USD, annual interest rate as a percentage (e.g., 5.25 for 5.25%), and loan term in years. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why does my payment include so much interest at first?
A: Early in the loan, more of your payment goes toward interest because the outstanding principal is largest. This gradually shifts as the principal decreases.
Q2: How can I pay less interest overall?
A: You can make extra principal payments, choose a shorter loan term, or secure a lower interest rate.
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. Always compare APRs when shopping for loans.
Q4: Does this calculator account for variable rates?
A: No, this calculates payments for fixed-rate loans only. Variable-rate loans would require different calculations.
Q5: Are there other costs not included in this calculation?
A: Yes, this doesn't include insurance, taxes, or fees that may be part of your actual monthly payment.