Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate your car payment with trade-in and sales tax.
Estimate your monthly car payment, including trade-in value and sales tax. Enter the vehicle price, down payment, trade-in, tax rate, term, and interest rate to see exactly how your loan amount is built and what you'll pay.
Everything runs in your browser. Expand the amortization schedule to see how each payment splits between principal and interest.
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Formula
Loan amount
price − down − trade-in + sales tax
Sales tax applies to the price net of trade-in: (price − trade-in) × tax rate.
Monthly payment
M = P · r(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n − 1)
P = loan amount, r = monthly rate (annual ÷ 12), n = months in the term.
How to use the auto loan calculator
- 1Enter the vehicle price, your down payment, and any trade-in value.
- 2Set the sales tax rate, loan term, and interest rate.
- 3Read the loan-amount breakdown and your monthly payment, then expand the schedule.
Examples
| Example | Input | Result |
|---|---|---|
| With trade-in | $25k, $3k down, $2k trade, 6% tax, 5%/60mo | $403.47/mo |
| No extras | $15k, 6%, 36 mo | same as a plain loan |
| 0% financing | any price, 0% | no interest |
How the loan amount is built
Your auto loan isn't just the sticker price. Start with the vehicle price, subtract your down payment and any trade-in value, then add sales tax. In most US states sales tax is charged on the price net of your trade-in, which is why a trade-in can save you both on the financed amount and on tax. This calculator shows each line so you can see exactly what you're financing.
Term length and total interest
Longer terms (72 or 84 months) lower the monthly payment but raise the total interest and increase the time you owe more than the car is worth. Shorter terms cost more per month but far less overall. Compare a few terms above — the monthly figure and the total interest both update instantly.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial advice. Actual financing terms, taxes, and fees vary by lender and state. Confirm figures with the dealer or lender before signing.
Frequently asked questions
How is an auto loan payment calculated?
First the loan amount is built: vehicle price minus down payment and trade-in, plus sales tax. Then the standard amortization formula M = P · r(1+r)^n / ((1+r)^n − 1) gives the monthly payment, where r is the monthly rate and n is the number of months.
What is a good interest rate for a car loan?
It depends on your credit score, the loan term, and whether the car is new or used. Borrowers with strong credit often get the lowest advertised rates; new cars and shorter terms also tend to qualify for better rates. Always compare APRs across lenders.
Should I put more money down on a car?
A larger down payment lowers your loan amount, monthly payment, and total interest, and reduces the risk of owing more than the car is worth. Putting down enough to cover at least taxes and fees is a common guideline.
How does trade-in value affect my loan?
A trade-in reduces the amount you finance, and in most states it also lowers the sales tax (tax is charged on the price minus the trade-in). Both effects shrink your loan and your monthly payment.
What is the total cost of my car loan?
It's the loan amount plus all the interest you'll pay over the term — shown as “total of payments” above. A shorter term or larger down payment reduces it.
How do I pay off my car loan faster?
Make extra payments toward principal, round up your monthly payment, or pay biweekly. Because interest is charged on the balance, paying extra early saves the most. Check that your lender applies extra payments to principal and has no prepayment penalty.
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<iframe src="https://numvella.com/embed/auto-loan-calculator" width="100%" height="460" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:12px" title="Auto Loan Calculator — Numvella" loading="lazy"></iframe>Related calculators
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