Auto Loan Calculator
An auto loan calculator helps you estimate your monthly car payment by using vehicle price, down payment, interest rate, loan term, sales tax, and fees.
Quick answer
Loan amount starts with vehicle price, then adjusts for down payment, tax, and fees.
What this tells you
- •Loan amount starts with vehicle price, then adjusts for down payment, tax, and fees.
- •Monthly payment is estimated with a standard amortization formula.
- •Results are planning estimates and not lender quotes.
How to Use
- 1Enter vehicle price and down payment.
- 2Add annual interest rate and loan term in years.
- 3Enter estimated sales tax rate and loan fees.
- 4Calculate to review loan amount, monthly payment, and total interest.
How It Works
Formula
Loan amount = vehicle price - down payment + sales tax + fees
Monthly payment = P x [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1]This calculator estimates amortized auto loan payments using the financed amount (P), monthly rate (r), and total months (n).
Calculation note: values are processed in the order shown above, using the current input units.
Worked Examples
Estimated car payment example
A larger down payment usually lowers both monthly payment and total interest paid over the term.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting to include tax and dealer/document fees
- Comparing loans only by monthly payment without total interest
- Assuming pre-approval rates will match final lender terms
Limitations
This estimate assumes fixed APR, fixed monthly payment schedule, and no extra payments. It does not include lender-specific fees, insurance products, or changing rates.