Amortization Calculator

See how your loan payments are distributed between principal and interest over time. Our amortization chart shows your loan balance declining across the full term.

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Calculator

Monthly Payment

$1,073.64

Total Payment

$386,511.57

Total Interest

$186,511.57

How It Works

Amortization is the process of spreading out a loan into a series of fixed payments over time. Each payment covers both interest charges and principal repayment, with the interest portion decreasing and principal portion increasing over the life of the loan.

In the early years of a loan, most of your payment goes toward interest. As the balance decreases, more of each payment goes toward reducing the principal. This is why making extra payments early in your loan term can save significant interest.

Our calculator visualizes this amortization process, helping you understand how your payments are applied over time.

The Formula

M = P × [r(1+r)^n] / [(1+r)^n - 1] | Interest Portion = Balance × r | Principal Portion = M - Interest

Each month: interest is calculated on the remaining balance. The principal payment is the total payment minus interest. The balance decreases by the principal payment amount.

Example

Scenario: You take out a $200,000 mortgage at 5% for 30 years.

Result: Your monthly payment is $1,074. Over 30 years, you'll pay $386,512 total with $186,512 in interest.

Amortization Insight: In year 1, about 80% of your payments go toward interest. By year 20, over 70% goes toward principal. An extra $100/month would save $49,000 in interest and shorten your loan by 8 years!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an amortization schedule?
An amortization schedule is a table showing each loan payment over time, broken down into principal and interest portions, along with the remaining balance after each payment.
How does making extra payments help?
Extra payments reduce your principal balance faster, which means less interest accrues in future months. Extra payments made early in the loan term have the biggest impact on total interest savings.
What is the difference between amortizing and non-amortizing loans?
Amortizing loans (like mortgages) are paid off gradually through regular payments. Non-amortizing loans (like interest-only or balloon loans) require a large lump sum payment at the end.
Can I get an amortization schedule from my lender?
Yes, lenders are required to provide amortization schedules. You can also generate one using our calculator or spreadsheet software.
How does biweekly payments affect amortization?
Biweekly payments (half the monthly payment every two weeks) result in 26 half-payments per year, equivalent to 13 full payments. This extra payment per year can shorten a 30-year mortgage by 4-5 years.