- How is my monthly loan payment calculated?
- The calculator uses the standard amortisation formula: M = P × [r(1+r)ⁿ] / [(1+r)ⁿ − 1], where P is the principal, r is the monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12), and n is the total number of payments. Every payment covers that month's interest first; the remainder reduces the principal.
- What is an amortisation schedule?
- An amortisation schedule is a table showing every payment over the life of a loan, broken into the interest portion and the principal portion. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal. The schedule lets you see exactly how much of each payment builds equity.
- Does this calculator work for mortgage loans?
- Yes. Enter the home loan amount as the principal, your mortgage interest rate, and the term (e.g. 30 years = 360 months). The result is your principal-and-interest payment. Note that your actual mortgage payment may be higher if it includes property tax and insurance escrow.
- What happens if I make extra principal payments?
- Extra principal payments reduce your outstanding balance faster, which means less interest accrues each month and your loan pays off sooner. While this calculator shows a standard schedule, you can estimate the savings by entering a shorter loan term that matches your accelerated payoff target.
- How does the interest rate affect my payment?
- Interest rate has a compounding effect on total cost. On a $300,000 30-year mortgage, increasing the rate from 5% to 7% adds roughly $400/month and over $140,000 in total interest. Even a 0.25% rate difference across a large loan is worth comparing lenders for.
- What is the difference between APR and interest rate?
- The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal only. APR (Annual Percentage Rate) includes the interest rate plus fees such as origination fees, mortgage points, and broker fees — making it a more complete cost comparison. Always compare APR when shopping loans.
- Can I calculate car loan payments with this tool?
- Yes. Enter the car price minus any down payment as the principal, the dealership or bank's offered APR, and the loan term (typically 36–72 months). Car loans work on the same amortisation formula as mortgages.