Auto Loan Calculator
Work out a realistic car payment. Enter the price, your down payment and trade-in, the sales tax rate, and loan terms to see the monthly payment and total interest.
Principal vs. interest
How you compare
Yearly payment schedule
Interest vs. principal for each year of the loan.
🚙 Compare auto loan & refinance rates
Check it outTrade-ins and sales tax
In most states you only pay sales tax on the price after your trade-in is deducted, which can save real money. Your down payment and trade-in both reduce the amount financed. Longer terms shrink the monthly payment but you'll pay more interest and risk owing more than the car is worth.
How it’s calculated
Amount financed = price + sales tax − down − trade-in (tax is usually on price minus trade-in). Payment = loan × r ÷ (1 − (1 + r)^−n).
Results update as you type and are estimates, not professional advice — verify important decisions with a qualified professional.
Worked example
A $35k car, $5k down, 6% tax, 7% over 60 months is about $636/month.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting sales tax, title, and fees.
- Stretching the term to lower the payment but pay more interest.
Where it is used
- Estimating a car payment with trade-in and tax.
- Comparing loan terms before financing.
Frequently asked questions
Is sales tax applied before or after trade-in?
Most states tax the price minus the trade-in value, which is how this calculator works. A few tax the full price — set trade-in to 0 to model that.
What term should I pick?
Shorter is cheaper overall. Terms beyond 60 months lower the payment but pile on interest and depreciation risk.
Are taxes and fees exact?
This covers sales tax. Title, registration, and dealer fees vary by state and aren't included.
Get the free Calculator Pack
One email with our most-used spreadsheets and new calculators. No spam.
Thanks! Check your inbox to confirm. (Demo form — connect to your email tool.)