A car is often the second-largest purchase after a home. Use these calculators to compare financing and leasing, see the real monthly cost, and decide whether a rebate or a low rate saves more.
Auto calculators (3)
Auto Loan Calculator
Calculate your car payment from price, down payment, trade-in, tax, fees and rate, or find the price you can afford.
Open Tool →Cash Back or Low Interest Calculator
Compare a cash-back rebate with low-rate dealer financing to see which saves more.
Open Tool →Auto Lease Calculator
Estimate a car lease payment from price, residual value, money factor or APR, term and fees.
Open Tool →About Auto calculators
Most auto loans are fixed-rate loans paid monthly over three to seven years. The payment depends on the amount financed, which includes the price, sales tax and fees minus your down payment and trade-in equity. Longer terms lower the payment but raise the total interest, and they can leave you owing more than the car is worth.
Leasing works differently: you pay for the depreciation during the lease plus a finance charge called the money factor. Use the lease calculator to estimate the payment and compare the total cost with buying.
Understanding vehicle financing
Most vehicles are paid for with a loan or a lease. A loan ends with you owning the car, while a lease is a long rental with mileage limits and fees. The auto loan calculator and the auto lease calculator let you compare the monthly cost of each.
Lowering the cost
A larger down payment, a shorter term and a lower rate all reduce what you pay. Dealers often offer either a cash rebate or special financing, and the cash back or low interest calculator shows which one saves more.
Planning the purchase
Keep the total cost of ownership in mind: insurance, fuel, maintenance and registration are not part of the loan payment. Fit the payment into your monthly budget before you sign.
What you can calculate
- Auto Loan Calculator: Calculate your car payment from price, down payment, trade-in, tax, fees and rate, or find the price you can afford.
- Cash Back or Low Interest Calculator: Compare a cash-back rebate with low-rate dealer financing to see which saves more.
- Auto Lease Calculator: Estimate a car lease payment from price, residual value, money factor or APR, term and fees.
Frequently asked questions
Does the payment include sales tax and fees?
Enter your state sales tax rate and fees. They are added to the amount financed where the tool has those fields.
Is a shorter loan better?
A shorter term has a higher payment but costs much less interest overall.
Is it better to lease or buy a car?
Buying costs more per month but you own the car afterward. Leasing has lower payments but you return the car or pay the buyout. Compare total cost over the period you plan to keep it.
What credit score do I need for a good auto loan rate?
Higher scores qualify for lower rates. Check your rate with a bank or credit union before visiting a dealer so you can compare offers.
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Last updated: October 15, 2026
