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Bankrate Amortization Calculator

Amortization Formula:

\[ Payment = P \times r \times \frac{(1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \]

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1. What is the Amortization Formula?

The amortization formula calculates the fixed monthly payment required to pay off a loan over a specified term, including both principal and interest components. It's the standard formula used by banks and financial institutions for mortgage and loan calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard amortization formula:

\[ Payment = P \times r \times \frac{(1 + r)^n}{(1 + r)^n - 1} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the fixed payment that covers both interest and principal repayment over the loan term, with interest being front-loaded in the payment schedule.

3. Importance of Amortization Calculation

Details: Understanding your monthly payment amount is crucial for budgeting and financial planning. It helps borrowers determine affordability and compare different loan options before committing to a mortgage or other loan products.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the loan amount in dollars, annual interest rate as a percentage (e.g., 4.5 for 4.5%), and loan term in years. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is included in the monthly payment?
A: The calculated payment includes principal and interest only. Additional costs like property taxes, insurance, and PMI are not included.

Q2: How does interest rate affect the payment?
A: Higher interest rates significantly increase monthly payments. A small rate change can make a substantial difference in the total cost of the loan.

Q3: What is loan amortization?
A: Amortization is the process of paying off a loan through regular payments that cover both principal and interest over time.

Q4: Can I calculate extra payments?
A: This calculator shows the standard payment. Extra payments would reduce the principal faster and shorten the loan term.

Q5: Are there different types of amortization?
A: Yes, while this uses standard amortization, some loans may have interest-only periods or other payment structures.

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