Auto loan calculator
This calculator estimates the monthly payment and total financing cost for a new or used car loan.
- Car price: $________
- Down payment: $________
- Trade-in value: $________
- Sales tax and fees included: $________
- Annual percentage rate (APR): ________%
- Loan term: ________ months
- Estimated loan amount: $________
- Estimated monthly payment: $________
- Estimated total interest: $________
- Estimated total paid: $________
Enter the car price, subtract the down payment and trade-in value, then add any taxes or fees you plan to finance. Use the loan APR quoted by a bank, credit union or auto lender.
Test low, mid-range and high rate scenarios to set a practical car-buying budget before committing to a loan.
What do the results mean?
The results estimate what the car may cost each month and over the full loan repayment period.
The amount financed is the car price plus financed taxes and fees, minus the down payment and trade-in value. The monthly payment covers principal and interest.
Total interest shows the estimated cost of borrowing, while total paid shows the complete scheduled cost.
A longer loan term may reduce the monthly payment but increase the car’s total interest cost. Compare short, medium and long terms, such as 36-48, 60-72 and 84 months, using rates available for your credit profile.
These comparisons show the financial trade-offs before you review the calculation methodology.
How is the car payment calculated?
The car payment is calculated using the standard amortizing loan formula.
Payment = P × [r(1 + r)^n] ÷ [(1 + r)^n − 1]
In this car loan formula, P is the amount financed, r is the monthly interest rate calculated as the APR divided by 12, and n is the number of monthly installments. Results should be rounded to the nearest cent after completing the full calculation.
The methodology was updated on August 8, 2026. It does not provide live auto loan rates or account for lender-specific rules.
Taxes, registration charges and title fees vary by jurisdiction. Find the responsible state agency through USA.gov’s state motor vehicle services directory.
The following car example applies the formula.
Worked car financing example
This example estimates the financing cost of a $30,000 car using stated assumptions that can be checked.
Assume the car buyer makes a $5,000 down payment, finances $1,500 in taxes and fees, and has no trade-in value. The resulting principal is $26,500.
At a 7% APR over a 60-month term, the estimated monthly payment is about $524.76.
Across 60 installments, the car buyer would pay an estimated $31,485.60, including approximately $4,985.60 in interest. A lower, mid-range or higher APR would change both figures, so test several available rates before choosing the vehicle.
These assumptions also set the limits of the calculator’s accuracy.
Frequently asked questions
The answers below explain the car estimate’s accuracy, assumptions, privacy and next actions.
How accurate is the estimate?
The car estimate is only as accurate as the inputs and formula used. A lender’s final figures may differ because of its approved APR, treatment of fees, billing schedule, rounding method or optional products.
Does the estimate include taxes and fees?
The car calculation includes taxes and fees only when you enter them. Check current sales tax, title, registration and documentation charges with the responsible state motor vehicle or revenue authority, or with the dealer, before buying.
Does credit affect the result?
Yes. A car financing offer may use credit history, income, existing obligations, vehicle age and loan term when setting rates.
Compare several APR scenarios instead of assuming one approval rate.
Is my information stored?
Treat this page as a financial planning tool, not a loan application. Do not enter Social Security numbers, account credentials or other sensitive car financing information into the calculator fields.
What should I do next?
Use the car estimate to set a budget, then request loan quotes from multiple banks, credit unions or auto lenders. Compare the APR, term, total interest and required payment before signing an auto loan agreement.