Loan Payment Formula:
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The PMT formula calculates the fixed monthly payment required to repay a loan over a specified term at a given annual percentage rate (APR). It accounts for both principal and interest payments.
The calculator uses the PMT formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the fixed payment needed to fully amortize the loan over its term, accounting for compound interest.
Details: Understanding your monthly payment helps with budgeting and comparing loan offers. The total interest calculation shows the true cost of borrowing.
Tips: Enter the loan amount, APR (annual percentage rate), and loan term in years. For accurate results, use the full APR including all fees.
Q1: What's the difference between APR and interest rate?
A: APR includes both the interest rate and any additional fees, giving a more complete picture of the loan's cost.
Q2: How does loan term affect payments?
A: Longer terms reduce monthly payments but increase total interest paid. Shorter terms have higher payments but lower total cost.
Q3: Are property taxes and insurance included?
A: No, this calculates principal and interest only. Actual mortgage payments may include escrow for taxes and insurance.
Q4: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides accurate estimates for fixed-rate loans. Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) require more complex calculations.
Q5: Can I calculate payments for extra payments?
A: This shows standard amortization. Extra payments would require a different amortization schedule.