Business Loan Calculator

Enter your loan amount, interest rate, and term to see the monthly payment, total interest paid, and the full cost of the loan.

Business Loan Calculator
Monthly Payment
Total Interest
Total of Payments
Origination Fee
Total Cost of Loan
Principal vs Interest Over the Loan

How the Business Loan Calculator Works

A business loan calculator turns a loan amount, interest rate, and term into the numbers that actually matter: your fixed monthly payment and the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan. It works for term loans, equipment financing, SBA loans, and most fixed-rate amortizing business debt.

The Payment Formula

Monthly payments follow the standard amortization formula: Payment = P × r × (1 + r)^n ÷ ((1 + r)^n − 1), where P is the loan amount, r is the monthly interest rate (annual rate ÷ 12), and n is the number of monthly payments (years × 12). Each payment covers that month's interest first, with the remainder reducing the principal balance.

Watch the Total Interest, Not Just the Payment

A longer term lowers the monthly payment but raises the total interest you pay, sometimes substantially. A $50,000 loan at 9% costs far less in total interest over 3 years than over 7, even though the longer term feels more affordable month to month. This calculator shows both so you can weigh cash flow against total cost.

Tip: Don't forget origination fees. A 3% origination fee on a $50,000 loan is $1,500 deducted upfront or added to your balance. Factor fees into the true cost, since they can meaningfully raise the effective APR.

APR vs Interest Rate

The interest rate covers only the cost of borrowing the principal, while APR also folds in fees, giving a fuller picture of the loan's true cost. When comparing offers, compare APRs rather than headline rates. Also confirm whether the loan has prepayment penalties — paying down principal early can save significant interest if the lender allows it without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a business loan payment calculated?
Business loans use the standard amortization formula. Each monthly payment is fixed and covers the month's interest first, with the rest reducing principal. The payment depends on the loan amount, the monthly interest rate, and the number of payments.
How does loan term affect total cost?
A longer term lowers your monthly payment but increases the total interest paid, because you borrow the money for longer. A shorter term costs more each month but far less overall. Balance monthly cash flow against total interest.
What is the difference between interest rate and APR?
The interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal alone, while APR includes fees such as origination charges. APR reflects the true annual cost of the loan and is the better number for comparing offers.
Should I include origination fees?
Yes. Origination fees are typically 1–6% of the loan amount and are either deducted upfront or added to the balance. They raise the effective cost of the loan, so include them when comparing financing options.
Can I save money by paying off a business loan early?
Often yes, because you stop paying interest on the remaining balance. However, some lenders charge prepayment penalties. Check your loan terms first — if there is no penalty, extra principal payments can save substantial interest.

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Written & reviewed by the CalcHeadquarters Editorial Team
Every calculator is built from published formulas and authoritative sources, then independently checked for accuracy before it goes live. Last updated June 2026. Read our editorial policy & methodology.