Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly car payment and view the complete amortization schedule — principal, interest, and remaining balance for every payment.
Loan Details
Estimated Monthly Payment
$0
Principal & interest, per month
Total Loan Amount
$0
Total Interest Paid
$0
| Vehicle price | $0 |
| Sales tax | $0 |
| Down payment & trade-in | $0 |
| Amount financed | $0 |
| Total of all payments | $0 |
Amortization Schedule
Every payment for the life of the loan, showing how much goes to principal vs. interest and your remaining balance.
| Payment # | Payment | Principal | Interest | Remaining Balance |
|---|
Understanding Your Auto Loan Amortization
An auto loan is "amortized," meaning each fixed monthly payment covers both interest and a portion of the principal balance. Early payments are weighted more heavily toward interest; as the balance shrinks, more of each payment goes toward principal.
What Affects Your Monthly Payment
- Amount financed — vehicle price plus tax, minus your down payment and trade-in value.
- APR — your annual interest rate, which depends on credit score, lender, and loan term.
- Loan term — longer terms lower the monthly payment but increase total interest paid.
Tips to Lower Total Interest
- Make a larger down payment to reduce the amount financed.
- Choose the shortest term you can comfortably afford.
- Shop your rate with multiple lenders before visiting the dealership.
- Consider making extra principal payments once the loan is underway — check the refinance calculator to see if refinancing later could also help.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual loan terms, fees, and
taxes vary by lender, dealer, and state.