Auto Loan Calculator

Get your real monthly car payment — including sales tax, trade-in and down payment, not just the sticker price. Total interest, payoff date, and a 36-to-72-month comparison update instantly. The formula is shown so you can check every number. No sign-up.

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months
Estimated monthly payment
$0
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    Total interest paid$0
    Total of all payments$0
    Payoff date—

    36 vs 48 vs 60 vs 72 months — the real cost of a longer term

    Same amount financed and rate. Stretching the term shrinks the payment but grows the interest.

    TermMonthlyTotal interestTotal paid

    The exact formula — with your numbers

    Your payment uses the standard amortization formula on the amount financed:

    M = P · r (1 + r)n(1 + r)n − 1

    P = amount financed (price + sales tax − down − trade-in) · r = APR ÷ 12 · n = months. Excludes fees, registration and gap insurance.

    How to use this calculator

    1. Price, down payment & trade-in — your trade-in lowers both the loan and (in most states) the taxable amount.
    2. Sales tax — set your state/local rate; it's added to the financed amount.
    3. APR & term — toggle 36–72 months and watch the comparison to see the interest trade-off.

    What your result means

    The monthly figure is what you'll actually owe each month. The total interest is the real cost of borrowing — longer terms make the monthly payment look affordable while quietly increasing what the car costs you and raising the chance of going "upside down" (owing more than it's worth).

    Frequently asked questions

    How is the payment calculated?

    Amount financed (price + tax − down − trade-in) is repaid using the amortization formula shown above.

    Should I pick a longer term?

    Only if you need the lower monthly payment — it costs more in total interest. The comparison table shows the exact gap.

    Is sales tax financed?

    In most US states, yes — it's added to the loan. Rules vary, so confirm locally.

    Method & sources

    • Calculation: Standard fixed-rate amortization (formula above). Tax applied to price after trade-in. Excludes dealer fees, registration and add-ons.
    • Reviewed: · Assumptions reviewed quarterly.

    Educational estimate, not financial advice. Confirm exact figures with your lender or dealer.