Auto Loan Calculator
Estimate your monthly auto loan payment including trade-in, sales tax and fees, and compare terms from 36 to 84 months. Free, instant, no signup.
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About the Auto Loan Calculator
Most calculators only divide the price by the term. This auto loan calculator also handles what really changes your payment at the dealership: your trade-in value (and any amount you still owe on it), sales tax on the price after the trade-in, and title, registration and dealer fees. It then compares the same loan over 36, 48, 60, 72 and 84 months so you can see how a longer term lowers the payment but raises total interest.
Want a simpler estimate? Try the car loan calculator, or work out how much car fits your budget with the car payment calculator.
How to use it
- Enter the vehicle price, your down payment and the trade-in value (and what you still owe on it).
- Add your state sales tax rate and any title, registration or dealer fees.
- Enter the APR you were quoted and the loan term in months.
- Press Calculate to see the payment, total interest and a term comparison table.
How the auto loan payment is calculated
Amount financed = price + sales tax + fees − down payment − trade-in value + any balance owed on the trade-in. Monthly payment = P × [i(1+i)n] ÷ [(1+i)n − 1], where P is the amount financed, i is APR ÷ 12 and n is the number of months.
Sales tax rules vary by state. Many states tax only the price after the trade-in, others tax the full price. Set the tax rate to 0 if you want to leave it out, and check your state rules before signing.
Ways to lower your auto loan cost
- Get pre-approved by a bank or credit union before visiting the dealer, so you can compare the dealer rate.
- Put more down. Each extra $1,000 down cuts the financed amount and the interest.
- Choose the shortest term you can afford. Compare the table above: 84 months costs far more interest than 48.
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment.
- Avoid negative equity. Rolling an old balance into a new loan raises what you owe on a car that depreciates fast.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate an auto loan payment with a trade-in?
Subtract the trade-in value from the price (this also lowers sales tax in most states), add tax and fees, subtract your down payment, and finance the rest. If you still owe money on the trade-in, that balance is added to the new loan. This calculator does all of it for you.
What is a good auto loan APR in 2026?
Rates depend on your credit score, the loan term and whether the car is new or used. Excellent credit gets the lowest rates and used-car loans usually cost more. Compare at least three offers: your bank, a credit union and the dealer.
Is a 72-month or 84-month auto loan a good idea?
Longer terms lower the monthly payment but raise total interest and the risk of owing more than the car is worth. The comparison table above shows the difference for your numbers.
Does a down payment lower my interest?
Yes. A larger down payment reduces the amount financed, so you pay less interest over the life of the loan and your monthly payment drops.
Is this auto loan calculator accurate?
It uses the standard amortization formula, so the monthly payment is a close estimate. Your lender may add fees, round differently or calculate tax differently, so confirm the final numbers in your contract.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Estimates only, not financial advice. Confirm the final terms with your lender.
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