Calculate car payments with down payment, trade-in, and tax.
| Month | Payment | Principal | Interest | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $643.22 | $442.59 | $200.62 | $31,657.41 |
| 2 | $643.22 | $445.36 | $197.86 | $31,212.05 |
| 3 | $643.22 | $448.14 | $195.08 | $30,763.90 |
| 4 | $643.22 | $450.94 | $192.27 | $30,312.96 |
| 5 | $643.22 | $453.76 | $189.46 | $29,859.20 |
| 6 | $643.22 | $456.60 | $186.62 | $29,402.60 |
| 7 | $643.22 | $459.45 | $183.77 | $28,943.15 |
| 8 | $643.22 | $462.32 | $180.89 | $28,480.83 |
| 9 | $643.22 | $465.21 | $178.01 | $28,015.61 |
| 10 | $643.22 | $468.12 | $175.10 | $27,547.49 |
| 11 | $643.22 | $471.05 | $172.17 | $27,076.45 |
| 12 | $643.22 | $473.99 | $169.23 | $26,602.45 |
🚗 Sales tax is computed on (vehicle price − trade-in value), the rule in most US states — a few states tax the full price before the trade-in credit, and tax rules vary. This calculator assumes fixed-rate, equal monthly payments and excludes dealer fees, registration, and insurance.
This auto loan calculator estimates your monthly car payment from the vehicle price, down payment, trade-in value, sales tax, APR, and loan term — then builds a complete amortization schedule you can export as CSV. It runs 100% in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
The amount you actually finance is price − down payment − trade-in + sales tax. The tax is applied to (price − trade-in), which is how most US states handle trade-in credits — but a few states tax the full price, so treat the figure as an estimate. The monthly payment uses the standard amortization formula M = P × r / (1 − (1 + r)^−n), where r is the monthly rate (APR ÷ 12) and n is the number of months. A 0% APR loan simply divides the principal by the term.
Monthly payment is the fixed amount due each month, with an estimated payoff date based on starting today. Total interest is what the loan costs you on top of the principal. Total cost adds your down payment and trade-in to all monthly payments, so it represents the full out-of-value cost of the car (excluding insurance, fees, and maintenance). The amortization table shows how each payment splits between principal and interest — early payments are mostly interest, and the balance falls slowly at first.
Longer terms (72–84 months) lower the monthly payment but raise total interest sharply — compare the same car at 48 vs. 84 months to see the difference. A bigger down payment or a trade-in reduces both the payment and the interest, and keeps you from going upside-down (owing more than the car is worth). Get pre-approved by a bank or credit union before visiting a dealer so you can compare APRs, and always negotiate the vehicle price, not the monthly payment.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Calculated results are estimates based on the inputs you provide; actual figures may vary. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
The Auto Loan Calculator lets you figure out auto loan calculatorinstantly, without reaching for a spreadsheet or doing the math by hand. Whether you're planning a budget, checking a loan, or working through homework, the tool applies the correct formula behind the scenes and shows the result the moment you enter your numbers.
Unlike a static chart or table, this calculator adapts to your exact inputs. You can adjust any value and see the outcome update in real time, which makes it easy to compare scenarios — for example, "what if the rate were 1% lower?" or "what if I paid an extra $50 a month?"
Common uses: people reach for this tool when they need to find a car payment calculator with tax and fees, auto loan calculator with trade in, car loan amortization schedule, or how much is my car payment.
Browser-based tools like this one have a few real advantages over installed software or manual methods:
The Auto Loan Calculator is based on the following formula:
M = P × [ r(1+r)^n ] / [ (1+r)^n − 1 ]
Variables: M = Monthly payment ($) P = Amount financed ($; price − down payment − trade-in + tax/fees) r = Monthly interest rate (annual APR ÷ 12) n = Loan term in months
Monthly auto-loan payment (amortization). P = amount financed (price − down payment − trade-in + tax/fees), r = monthly APR, n = total months.
Worked example: Step 1: $30,000 car with $5,000 down → P = 25,000; APR 6.9% → r = 0.069 / 12 = 0.00575; n = 60. Step 2: (1 + r)^n = 1.00575^60 ≈ 1.4106. Step 3: numerator = 0.00575 × 1.4106 ≈ 0.0081110; denominator = 1.4106 − 1 = 0.4106. Step 4: M = 25,000 × 0.0081110 / 0.4106 ≈ $493.85. Result: the monthly principal-and-interest payment is about $494 for 60 months.
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