How to Calculate Car Loan
What is Car Loan?
A car loan calculator computes monthly payments, total cost, and total interest for an auto loan. Car loans are simple-interest installment loans — interest is calculated on the remaining balance each month.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Monthly payment = P × r(1+r)ⁿ / ((1+r)ⁿ − 1)
- 2P = loan amount (price − down payment + fees), r = monthly rate, n = months
- 3Longer terms lower monthly payments but increase total interest paid
- 4Your credit score directly determines the interest rate offered
Worked Examples
Input
$30,000 loan, 6% APR, 60 months
Result
$579.98/month, $4,799 interest
Most common car loan term
Input
$30,000 loan, 6% APR, 72 months
Result
$497.54/month, $5,823 interest
72mo saves $82/mo but costs $1,024 more total
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