Auto loan calculator with tax, fees and trade-in
A vehicle’s advertised price is only part of the amount you may finance. Enter the purchase price, tax amount, financed fees and trade-in details to compare monthly payment and total interest. The starting figures are hypothetical, not a lender quote.
Fixed-rate monthly estimate. Enter the tax amount from your quote; local tax and trade-in rules vary. Loan payments exclude your cash down payment.
Calculate the amount financed
The model adds the vehicle price, sales tax amount, financed fees and any loan payoff on your trade-in. It subtracts your cash down payment and trade-in value. Enter optional add-ons only if you have chosen them and plan to finance them. Do not enter the same cost twice.
The CFPB’s auto-loan guide explains that taxes, government fees and chosen add-ons can affect the amount borrowed. Tax treatment varies by location, including how a trade-in affects taxable value. Use the actual tax amount from the seller’s itemized quote instead of assuming the calculator applies your state’s rules.
Account for trade-in equity
A hypothetical trade worth $8,000 with a $10,000 outstanding payoff has negative equity of $2,000. If rolled into the new loan, that difference increases the amount financed. Confirm the lender’s payoff amount and the dealer’s written trade offer before comparing financing. This calculator assumes the payoff and trade credit are both included in the new transaction.
Compare a longer term with the total cost
Run the same price and interest rate with more than one term. A longer repayment period can reduce the monthly payment while increasing total interest. Add insurance, fuel, maintenance and registration to your household budget separately; they are not included in the estimated loan payment.
Use the interest rate, then check the disclosed APR
The payment formula uses a fixed annual interest rate and equal monthly payments. APR can include certain borrowing charges and may differ from the interest rate. Compare the lender’s disclosed APR, amount financed, finance charge and payment schedule. Fees already included in the balance should not also be entered as an extra rate adjustment.
For a personal loan where an origination fee is deducted from proceeds or paid separately, use the loan payment calculator. To prepare for shopping, read the auto loan comparison guide.
Sources
- CFPB: Take control of your auto loan
- CFPB: Down payments and auto loans
- CFPB: What is included in an auto loan payment?
Sources checked October 11, 2026. Estimates exclude late payments, changing rates and irregular first-payment periods.