Loan Calculator

Compare monthly payments and total borrowing cost across different loan amounts, rates, and repayment terms.

Monthly payment

$500

Fixed payment before optional fees or insurance.

Total interest

$4,986

Interest cost if the loan runs for the full selected term.

Total paid

$29,986

Principal plus all interest across the full repayment schedule.

Start: Start

Latest: Year 5

Final value: $0

Amortization preview

MonthPaymentPrincipalInterestBalance
1$500$346$154$24,654
2$500$348$152$24,307
3$500$350$150$23,957
4$500$352$148$23,605
5$500$354$146$23,251
6$500$356$143$22,894
7$500$359$141$22,536
8$500$361$139$22,175
9$500$363$137$21,812
10$500$365$135$21,447
11$500$368$132$21,079
12$500$370$130$20,709

How it works

A loan calculator is valuable because quoted monthly payments can be misleading without context. Two loans may feel similar on the surface while carrying dramatically different total costs depending on interest rate and term length. Searchers coming to this page typically want to compare options quickly, understand the real borrowing cost, and see how much of each payment goes toward interest versus principal over time.

Installment loans generally use an amortization formula that converts a principal balance, annual percentage rate, and repayment term into a fixed monthly payment. The monthly payment formula is only the starting point. The more useful layer is the amortization schedule, which shows how interest is front-loaded and why longer terms increase total interest paid. Presenting both the summary metrics and the early payment schedule answers the practical question people actually have: not just what they owe per month, but what the loan will really cost them if they keep it for the full term.

Frequently asked questions

How do lenders determine monthly payments?

Most installment loans use an amortization formula that blends principal and interest into a fixed monthly payment over the chosen term.

Is a longer term always better?

A longer term lowers monthly payments but usually increases total interest paid. Lower monthly cost does not mean a cheaper loan.

Can I use this for personal loans and student loans?

Yes. The same payment logic works for most fixed-rate installment loans, although fees and deferment rules can change the real total cost.

Compare personal loan providers

Pre-qualify without affecting your credit score.

ProviderTypeHighlight
SoFiOnline lenderNo fees, unemployment protectionCheck rate
LightStreamOnline lenderLow rates for excellent creditCheck rate
CredibleMarketplaceCompare rates from multiple lendersCompare rates

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