Car payment calculator

Estimate monthly loan payments, interest and included purchase costs using the assumptions you enter.

Payment snapshot

Loan details

Fields marked * are required.

Enter the total price before taxes and fees.

US dollars

Down payment in
US dollars

Enter a percentage of the vehicle price from 0 to 100.

percent

Current: (%)

Add trade-in vehicle (optional)
US dollars

US dollars

Trade equity:
Negative equity:
Loan term

Long terms increase total interest paid and negative equity risk.

Enter a yearly percentage from 0 to 30.

percent

Editable interest assumption

These examples are not offers or credit eligibility estimates. Use the contract interest rate; an APR that includes credit fees is not the same input. PleaseStart does not assess rate quality.

Try a sample interest rate

Enter a percentage from 0 to 25.

percent

Additional fees and costs
US dollars

US dollars

US dollars

Quick actions

Estimated monthly payment

Enter your details and select Calculate payment.

Fix the fields with errors to see your payment again.

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Bi-weekly payment
Half the regular monthly installment. This illustration does not calculate savings or a payoff date; these depend on how your lender applies payments.

Loan amount

Total interest

Total loan payments

Vehicle cost including interest

Balance over time months
Remaining loan balance for each month over the full loan term.

Chart will appear once calculated

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View full payment schedule
Amortization payment schedule
MonthPaymentInterestPrincipalBalance

Compare scenarios Quick analysis

See how different options change your payment and total cost.

Scenario Monthly Total interest Savings Action
Current selection -
Tip: Select Apply to use a scenario’s values in the calculator.
Assumptions used

Your payment planning sweet spot

We've analyzed down-payment and term combinations. This proposal minimizes estimated interest among those samples; review the cash and monthly payment required.
Recommended down payment
Recommended loan term
months
Monthly payment
Total interest paid
Vehicle cost including interest

For educational and entertainment purposes only. A best-guess estimate, not a quote or tax, legal or financial advice.

The samples compare interest only. Consider the proposed down payment and monthly installment before applying.
How we calculate this

This calculator uses the standard amortization formula: M = P[r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n – 1], where M is your monthly payment, P is the loan principal, r is the monthly interest rate, and n is the number of payments. At 0% assumed interest the payment is the principal divided by the number of payments.

The amount financed is the vehicle price plus sales tax, documentation, registration and dealer fees, minus your down payment and trade-in equity. Negative trade-in equity (owing more than the trade is worth) is added to the amount financed. Interest is calculated on the amount financed over the full loan term.

Monthly interest is rounded to cents and the final payment is adjusted to clear the balance. Total loan payments is the sum of those payments. Vehicle cost including interest is your down payment plus trade-in equity plus total loan payments. The headline monthly payment is rounded to whole dollars.

Limitations: This calculator gives a best-guess estimate for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a quote or tax, legal or financial advice. Actual payments may vary based on the terms you arrange independently, credit profile, and any additional fees. Tax rates vary by state and locality.

Frequently asked questions

Our calculations use the standard amortization formula used for installment payments Learn more
How do you calculate my payment?

We use the standard amortization formula for installment payments:

M = P × [r(1 + r)ⁿ] / [(1 + r)ⁿ - 1]

Where:
- M = Monthly payment
- P = Principal (loan amount)
- r = Monthly interest rate (annual interest percent ÷ 12 ÷ 100)
- n = Number of payments (months)

Data sources: Interest rate inputs are sample assumptions you can change. Tax rates and fees are estimates - check with your state DMV for exact amounts.
Last updated: September 2026

This calculator gives a best-guess estimate for educational and entertainment purposes only. Your actual payment may vary based on terms and conditions you arrange independently.
Why might my actual payment differ from this estimate?

This calculator gives a best-guess estimate for educational and entertainment purposes only. It applies the standard amortization formula to the inputs you provide. The headline monthly payment is rounded to whole dollars. The results also show the regular installment and the adjusted final payment to the cent. Your actual payment may differ based on provider-specific fees, the exact day of the month you make your first payment, and how your lender computes and applies interest.

What's included in my monthly payment?

The calculated monthly payment includes principal and interest only. It does NOT include insurance, which is typically paid separately.

Should I make a larger down payment?

Generally, yes. A larger down payment reduces your loan amount, which means lower monthly payments and less interest paid over the life of the loan. Aim for at least 20% down to avoid being "upside down" (owing more than the vehicle is worth) early in the loan. However, don't drain your emergency fund—maintain at least 3-6 months of expenses in savings.

What's the best loan term length?

Compare monthly payments, total interest, upfront cash and final payments for each term. The calculator holds other assumptions fixed; it does not assess your household budget or predict future vehicle value.

How does bi-weekly payment work?

Instead of making 12 monthly payments per year, you make 26 bi-weekly payments (every two weeks). Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you end up making one extra full payment annually. This accelerates payoff and can reduce interest. Confirm any alternate payment cadence with the provider you choose.