Personal Loan Repayment Calculator
Calculation Results
Understanding Your Personal Loan Calculation
Using a personal loan calculator is the first step toward responsible financial planning. Whether you are looking to consolidate high-interest credit card debt, fund a home renovation, or cover an unexpected medical expense, knowing exactly what your monthly commitment will be helps you stay within your budget.
How the Monthly Payment is Determined
Personal loans are typically amortized, meaning you pay back the principal and interest in equal installments over a set period. The formula used in this calculator is:
M = P [ i(1 + i)^n ] / [ (1 + i)^n – 1 ]
- P: Principal loan amount
- i: Monthly interest rate (Annual rate divided by 12)
- n: Number of months (the loan term)
The Impact of Interest Rates and Loan Terms
Two main factors dictate how much your loan will cost you in the long run: the interest rate and the term length. A longer term (e.g., 60 months instead of 36) will result in lower monthly payments, but you will pay significantly more in total interest over the life of the loan.
Real-World Example
Let's say you borrow $15,000 for a home improvement project with an interest rate of 8.5% over a 48-month term.
- Monthly Payment: $369.74
- Total Interest: $2,747.52
- Total Repayment: $17,747.52
What is an Origination Fee?
Many online lenders charge an upfront fee known as an "origination fee." This is usually a percentage (1% to 8%) of the total loan amount. Lenders often deduct this from the loan proceeds before sending them to your bank account. It is crucial to include this in your calculations to see the "true" cost of the loan, often expressed as the APR (Annual Percentage Rate).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does checking my rate affect my credit score?
Most lenders use a "soft" credit pull to give you estimated rates, which does not impact your score. However, a formal application results in a "hard" pull, which may temporarily lower your score.
Can I pay off my loan early?
Many modern personal loans do not have prepayment penalties, allowing you to save on interest by paying more than the minimum each month. Always check your loan agreement for "prepayment penalty" clauses.
What is a good interest rate?
Interest rates vary based on your credit score. "Excellent" credit (720+) may see rates as low as 6-10%, while "Fair" credit (600-660) might see rates from 20% to 36%.