APR Interest Formula:
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The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) interest on a car loan represents the yearly cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. The monthly interest is calculated by dividing the APR by 12 and applying it to the loan amount.
The calculator uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the monthly interest payment by converting the annual rate to a monthly rate and applying it to the loan amount.
Details: Understanding your monthly interest payment helps you budget for your car loan and compare different loan offers. It shows the true cost of borrowing beyond just the principal amount.
Tips: Enter the total loan amount in dollars and the APR as a percentage (e.g., 5.25%). The calculator will show the monthly interest amount you'll pay.
Q1: Is APR the same as interest rate?
A: No, APR includes both the interest rate and any additional loan fees, giving a more complete picture of borrowing costs.
Q2: Why divide APR by 12?
A: This converts the annual rate to a monthly rate since car loan payments are typically made monthly.
Q3: Does this include the principal payment?
A: No, this calculates only the interest portion. Your total monthly payment would be higher as it includes principal repayment.
Q4: How does loan term affect interest?
A: Longer terms mean more interest paid over time, even if the monthly payment is lower.
Q5: Can APR change during the loan?
A: Only if you have a variable-rate loan. Fixed-rate loans maintain the same APR throughout the term.