Monthly Payment on a Business Loan
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Monthly Payment = P x r / (1 - (1+r)^-n), where r = APR/12 and n = months. Total Paid = Payment x n; Interest = Total - Principal. This is the standard amortization formula used by every lender; it assumes equal monthly payments and a fixed rate.
What Should You Do?
Scenario 1: doubling the term to 10 years halves the payment but nearly doubles total interest. Scenario 2: a 1-point APR drop on $50k/5yr saves ~$23/month and ~$1,380 total. Scenario 3: extra principal payments cut interest nonlinearly — even $100/month extra helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fixed vs variable rate?
This assumes fixed. A variable rate can rise and increase payments; model the worst case before borrowing.
Does APR include fees?
Not always — APR excludes some fees. The SBA guarantee fee and origination are extra; ask for the APR that includes them.
Should I compare to leasing?
Often yes for equipment — see our Equipment Lease vs Buy tool.
Authoritative References
- SBA — 7(a) Loan Program — Term-loan structure and rates.
- Investopedia — Amortization — Amortization schedule and formula.