Free Auto Loan Calculator
Calculate monthly car payments and total interest. Compare different loan terms and down payments to find the best auto financing option for your budget.
Auto Loan Calculator
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About the Auto Loan Calculator
An auto loan calculator helps you understand the true cost of financing a vehicle. By entering the car price, down payment, loan term, and interest rate, you can see your monthly payment, total interest paid, and the all-in cost of the vehicle over the life of the loan.
Quick Start Guide
- Enter vehicle price — The total purchase price of the car, before trade-in or down payment.
- Add down payment — How much cash are you putting down? Larger down payments reduce monthly costs.
- Set interest rate — Check current auto loan rates — typically 5-8% for good credit, higher for fair credit.
- Choose loan term — Common terms are 36, 48, 60, or 72 months. Longer terms mean lower payments but more interest.
How It Works
Uses the standard amortization formula: M = P × [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n − 1]. Results include the monthly payment, total loan cost, total interest, and a comparison showing how different loan terms affect your payments and total cost.
Current Market Data
| Metric | Value | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Car Loan Rate (Good Credit) | 6.80% | Bankrate | June 2026 |
| New Car Loan Rate (Fair Credit) | 11.20% | Bankrate | June 2026 |
| Used Car Loan Rate (Good Credit) | 7.40% | Bankrate | June 2026 |
Real-World Example
Scenario: Financing a $35,000 car
- Car price: $35,000.
- Down payment: $5,000 (14.3% down).
- Loan amount: $30,000.
- Rate and term: 6.9% APR for 60 months.
Who Is This For?
This auto loan calculator is designed for Car shoppers comparing financing options, people deciding between buying and leasing, and anyone who wants to understand the true cost of a vehicle loan before visiting the dealership.. It's intentionally simple — no complex signup forms, no data tracking, no distractions. Just enter your numbers and get the answer.
Pro Tip
Get pre-approved from your bank or credit union before going to the dealership. Dealership financing often has higher rates, and having a pre-approval gives you negotiating leverage.
Things to Know
The average American car payment in 2025 is over $700 per month, and the average new car loan term is 68 months. That means most people are paying over $47,000 for a vehicle when you include interest. Understanding the math before you shop can save you thousands.
Use this calculator to compare scenarios before you walk into a dealership. Know exactly what you can afford monthly, what the total cost will be, and where your break-even point is between different loan terms. Dealers profit from monthly payment focus — they will extend terms to make a more expensive car "fit" your budget.
Key consideration: Cars depreciate roughly 20% in the first year. A 72-month loan means you could owe more than the car is worth for the first 3-4 years of ownership. A shorter term or larger down payment protects you from this negative equity trap.
Sources & References
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a shorter or longer loan term?
Shorter terms (36-48 months) have higher monthly payments but much lower total interest. Longer terms (60-84 months) reduce monthly payments but cost significantly more in interest. A good rule: if you can't afford the 48-month payment, consider a less expensive car rather than extending the term.
How does my credit score affect my auto loan rate?
Credit scores heavily influence auto loan rates. As of 2026, borrowers with excellent credit (720+) might get rates around 5-7%, while those with fair credit (620-679) may see rates of 10-15% or higher. Check your credit score before shopping for financing.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate results based on the inputs you enter. The calculations follow standard financial formulas used by banks and financial institutions. Always verify critical numbers with a professional.
Can I save or print my results?
Yes! You can use your browser's print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P) to save or print the results. We recommend taking a screenshot for quick reference.
Is this calculator really free?
Yes, 100% free. No signup, no hidden fees, no usage limits. Use it as many times as you need.
How to Use
Enter the vehicle price, your down payment, the interest rate, and loan term. The calculator shows your monthly payment, total interest, and total cost of the vehicle after financing.
Compare different down payment amounts and loan terms to find the best balance between affordable monthly payments and total interest cost.
Auto Loan Formula
Where M = monthly payment, P = loan amount, r = monthly interest rate, n = total months.