How to use this loan payoff calculator
- Enter your current loan balance and annual interest rate.
- Choose Pay regular amount and type your monthly payment, or choose Pay off within time and set a target term — the tool computes the required payment.
- Set your next payment date for an estimated payoff month.
- Optional: add an annual repayment increase % to model rising payments each year.
- Click Calculate — payoff time, interest, comparison table, chart, and schedule appear on the right.
Need the standard monthly payment for a new loan? Use the Loan Calculator. For revolving credit card balances, see the Credit Card Payment Calculator. For a full amortization table with extra payments, see the Amortization Calculator.
How loan payoff time is calculated
Each month, interest accrues on the remaining balance at the monthly rate (annual rate ÷ 12). Your payment covers interest first; the remainder reduces principal. The calculator iterates month by month until the balance reaches zero or 50 years — whichever comes first.
Worked example
$100 balance at 12% annual interest with $12 monthly payments:
- Payoff time ≈ 9 months
- Total interest ≈ $4.95
- Total repaid ≈ $104.95
The comparison table shows how a 10%, 20%, or 30% higher monthly payment reduces interest and moves the payoff date earlier.
When payment is too low
If your monthly payment does not cover the first month’s interest, the balance grows and the loan will not amortize. Increase the payment amount or check the rate.
Examples and use cases
Real-world use cases
- Student loan exit: A graduate with $18,000 at 5.5% checks how long standard $200 payments take vs adding $75 extra.
- Personal line of credit: Someone models paying off a $3,200 balance in 12 months to set a realistic monthly target.
- Early payoff goal: A borrower uses the comparison table to see payoff date if they raise payments by 20% after a raise.
Related tools
For investment growth projections, try the Compound Interest Calculator.