How to Calculate Car Lease
What is Car Lease?
A car lease payment is calculated from the vehicle depreciation over the lease term plus a finance charge (money factor). Leasing gives lower monthly payments but builds no equity.
Formula
Monthly = [(Cap cost − Residual) / Months + (Cap cost + Residual) × Money factor] + Tax; APR ≈ Money factor × 2,400
- Cap
- Capitalized cost (Currency)
- Res
- Residual value (Currency (typically 50–60%))
- MF
- Money factor (Decimal (0.0015–0.003))
- t
- Lease term (Months (36–48 typical))
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Depreciation fee = (Cap cost − Residual) / Term
- 2Finance fee = (Cap cost + Residual) × Money factor
- 3Monthly = Depreciation + Finance + taxes
- 4APR ≈ Money factor × 2,400
Worked Examples
Input
MSRP $35k, 55% residual, money factor 0.002, 36mo
Result
Monthly ≈ $546
Frequently Asked Questions
Why negotiate capitalized cost, not monthly payment?
You control the cap cost negotiation; the rest is math. Reducing cap cost $1k saves ~$28/month. Dealers often quote monthlies, but cap cost is the real lever.
What's the money factor?
It's the finance charge, expressed as a decimal. Multiply by 2,400 to get APR equivalent. 0.002 ≈ 4.8% APR. Shop around—rates vary by lender and credit.
What happens at lease end?
Return car in good condition (excess wear charges apply). Pay disposition fee (~$395). Excess miles cost $0.15–0.30 each. Then get new car or buy out the residual.
Ready to calculate? Try the free Car Lease Calculator
Try it yourself →