Home › Debt & loans · Updated 2026-10-15
Auto loan calculator
See what a car really costs per month. Enter the sticker price, your down payment, trade-in and local sales tax, and the calculator works out the amount financed, the monthly payment and the interest you will pay over the loan.
- Enter your numbersDefaults are realistic examples; replace them with yours.
- Read results instantlyEverything updates as you type. Nothing is sent anywhere.
- Check the assumptionsSee exactly how we calculate, below.
Year-by-year schedule
Totals per year.
How we calculate
Financed = price + tax − down − trade; tax = (price − trade) × rate
- Sales tax is charged on price minus trade-in, as in most US states (some states tax the full price).
- Dealer, title and registration fees are not included; add them to the price if you are financing them.
Understanding your results
If the total interest is large relative to the car's price, try a shorter term or a bigger down payment and watch how it changes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a good auto loan term?
Shorter is cheaper. 36–60 months keeps interest down and lowers the risk of owing more than the car is worth.
Does trade-in reduce sales tax?
In most states, yes: tax is charged on the price after the trade-in credit. Check your state's rules.
Should I finance taxes and fees?
You can, but you will pay interest on them. Paying them upfront lowers the total cost.