A familiar situation
A quoted monthly payment can hide how much a personal loan costs over time. Try the loan calculator with the offered amount, APR and term, then shorten the term to compare the total interest.
How to use this calculator
- Enter loan amount, annual interest rate, term.
- Select Calculate to see the answer and its breakdown.
- Keep a scenario, change an input and compare the results.
Use consistent units and check the assumptions below before applying the result.
How loan is calculated
This estimate assumes a fixed annual rate, equal monthly payments and no separate escrow. Early payments contain more interest; over time the principal share grows as the balance falls. Formula: Payment = principal × periodic rate ÷ (1 − (1 + periodic rate)^−number of payments). Use the displayed details to inspect the intermediate amounts and replace example assumptions with terms from your own quote or records.
Payment = principal × periodic rate ÷ (1 − (1 + periodic rate)^−number of payments).A $10,000 loan at 8% for 3 years costs about $313 per month before fees.
Assumptions & useful context
Assumes a fixed rate and equal monthly payments; fees and insurance are excluded.
Financial projections use your assumptions. Actual returns, lender terms, fees and tax rules can differ; these results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Frequently asked questions
Loan Calculator: what does the result include?
No. It is principal and interest only unless those costs are part of the financed principal. Add escrow and recurring fees when comparing it with a lender’s full payment.
Loan Calculator: which assumptions matter most?
A longer term usually lowers each scheduled payment but gives interest more time to accrue. Compare total interest as well as the monthly amount.