Car Payment Calculator
Calculate your exact monthly car payment including taxes and fees. See total interest, total cost, and an upfront cost summary.
Loan Term
Monthly Payment
$595.03
Amount Financed
$30,050.00
Payment Summary
- Monthly Payment (P&I)
- $595.03
- Total Interest
- $5,651.56
- Total Loan Cost
- $35,701.56
Upfront & Financing Breakdown
- Vehicle Price
- $30,000.00
- Sales Tax (8.5%)
- $2,550.00
- Fees
- $500.00
- Down Payment
- − $3,000.00
- Amount Financed
- $30,050.00
Principal vs. Interest
How Car Payment Is Calculated
Start with the vehicle price. Add sales tax (price × tax rate). Add fees (registration, documentation, etc.). Subtract down payment and trade-in value. The result is your financed amount. Apply the standard amortization formula with your interest rate and term to get your monthly payment.
Car Payment vs. Auto Loan Calculator
Both tools calculate your monthly payment, but they serve different needs. Use the Auto Loan Calculator when you already know how much you need to borrow. Use the Car Payment Calculator when you are at the dealership and want to see your true out-the-door monthly cost including tax, title, and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The Auto Loan Calculator focuses on the core loan payment given a financed amount. The Car Payment Calculator goes further — it calculates your actual out-of-pocket monthly payment by including sales tax on the purchase price, dealer and registration fees, and an optional insurance estimate for total monthly ownership cost.
- In most US states, sales tax applies to the vehicle purchase price, and the tax is typically rolled into the financed amount. Some states allow trade-in value to offset the taxable price — check your state's rules.
- Common fees include dealer documentation fee ($100–$500), title and registration ($50–$300 depending on state), and dealer add-ons. Always ask for an itemized out-the-door price before signing.
- Increase your down payment or trade-in value, choose a longer loan term (note: more total interest), negotiate a lower purchase price, improve your credit score for a lower rate, or choose a less expensive vehicle.