Amortization calculator

An amortization calculator is a financial tool designed to assist businesses in understanding and planning the repayment of loans over time. It helps seeking clarity on your repayment journey and making informed financial decisions.

Page written by Ian Hawkins. Last reviewed on June 13, 2024. Next review due October 1, 2025.

This calculator is intended for illustration purposes only and exact payment terms should be agreed with a lender before taking out a loan.

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Monthly payment

Total interest paid

Total cost of loan

Number of payments

Payoff date

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Chart
Schedule

How payments change over the life of a 20 year loan

Amortization schedule breakdown

What is an amortization schedule?

An amortization schedule is a detailed table or spreadsheet that outlines the systematic repayment of a loan over time. It provides a comprehensive breakdown of each loan payment, specifying how much of each payment goes toward reducing the principal amount and how much is allocated to cover interest expenses.

The schedule outlines each installment payment into two primary components:

- Principal payment: The portion of the payment that goes towards reducing the outstanding loan amount.
- Interest payment: The amount allocated to cover the interest accrued on the remaining loan balance

Furthermore, the schedule displays the remaining balance of the loan at the beginning and end of each period. As the loan is repaid, the outstanding balance gradually decreases. Additionally, it provides transparency into the total cost of borrowing and can be a valuable tool for comparing different loan options.

How to calculate amortization?

To use the mortgage amortization calculator, follow these simple steps:

Input Your Loan Amount: In the “Loan amount” field, enter the sum you’re borrowing.
Define Your Loan Term: In the “Loan term” section, specify the duration of your loan. Whether it’s 30 years, 15 years, or another timeframe, tailor it to fit your financial goals.
Set Your Interest Rate: Enter the interest rate applicable to your mortgage in the “Interest rate” field.
Select Your Loan Start Date: Choose the month when you made your inaugural payment in the “Loan start date” field.

How can an amortization calculator help me?

An amortization calculator is a powerful financial tool that can assist businesses in various ways by providing detailed insights into the repayment of loans. Here are several ways in which an amortization calculator can be beneficial:

Payment planning and budgeting: An amortization calculator helps you estimate the monthly payments required to repay a loan. Understanding the monthly payment amount allows for better budgeting and financial planning.
Visualization of loan repayment: The calculator generates an amortization schedule, which shows the gradual reduction of the principal amount and the declining interest payments over time. It outlines how much of each payment is allocated to the principal and how much is attributed to interest.
Comparison of loan options: Our calculator enables you to compare various loan scenarios by adjusting the different parameters. Furthermore, it provides the total interest paid over the life of the loan. This information is key to assess the overall cost of borrowing.
Financial decision support: The calculator empowers you to make informed financial decisions by providing a clear understanding of the long-term implications of a loan – assisting in evaluating whether a loan aligns with your financial goals and constraints.