What Is Amortization? A Plain-English Definition
Amortization is the process of paying off a debt through a series of fixed, regularly scheduled payments over a defined period. Each payment is split into two parts: a portion that covers the interest owed on the outstanding loan balance, and a portion that reduces the principal (the original amount borrowed).
Over time — and this is the key insight — the interest portion of each payment shrinks while the principal portion grows. This happens because as you pay down the balance, there is less outstanding debt for interest to accrue on. By the final payment, almost the entire amount goes toward principal. The loan is then said to be "fully amortized."
The word comes from the Old French amortir, meaning "to kill" — fitting, since amortization is literally the process of killing a debt, one payment at a time.
Types of Loans That Amortize
Most standard installment loans in the US are amortizing loans. This includes:
- Fixed-rate mortgages (30-year, 15-year, 10-year)
- Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) — fixed period only
- Auto / car loans
- Federal and private student loans
- Personal loans
- Business term loans
- Home equity loans (not HELOCs)
- SBA loans (7(a), 504)
- Commercial real estate loans
- Equipment financing loans
Not amortized: Credit cards, lines of credit (including HELOCs), interest-only loans, and balloon loans do not follow a standard amortization schedule. For these, only fixed-period calculations or payoff calculators apply.
The Amortization Formula Explained
Every amortization calculator — including the one on this site — uses the same underlying formula to calculate the fixed monthly payment on a fully amortizing loan. Understanding this formula helps you grasp why changing your loan amount, interest rate, or term affects your payment the way it does.
M = P × [ r(1 + r)ⁿ ] / [ (1 + r)ⁿ − 1 ]
P = Principal (loan amount in USD)
r = Monthly interest rate = Annual rate ÷ 12
n = Total number of payments = Years × 12
Step 1: Convert annual rate to monthly: 6.75% ÷ 12 = 0.5625% = 0.005625
Step 2: Calculate total payments: 30 × 12 = 360 months
Step 3: Apply the formula: M = $350,000 × [0.005625 × (1.005625)³⁶⁰] / [(1.005625)³⁶⁰ − 1]
Result: Monthly payment = $2,270.03
Over 30 years: Total paid = $817,210 · Total interest = $467,210 · That's 133% of the original loan amount paid back in interest alone.
Once you know your monthly payment, the amortization schedule is built month by month. For each period:
- Calculate interest: Remaining balance × monthly rate = interest for this month
- Calculate principal: Monthly payment − interest = principal paid this month
- Reduce balance: Remaining balance − principal paid = new balance
- Repeat for each month until the balance reaches $0
Enter your loan details and get an instant amortization schedule, charts, and extra payment analysis.
Amortization Calculator for Mortgage Loans
Mortgage Amortization Calculator
A mortgage amortization calculator is the most widely used financial tool for homebuyers and homeowners in the United States. It shows you exactly how your monthly mortgage payment is divided between principal and interest — and how that split changes dramatically over the life of a 15-year or 30-year loan.
30-Year vs. 15-Year Mortgage Amortization
The most impactful decision in mortgage amortization is your loan term. Here is a direct comparison for a $400,000 mortgage:
| Metric | 30-Year at 6.75% | 15-Year at 6.25% | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Payment (P+I) | $2,594 | $3,432 | $838 more/month |
| Total Paid | $934,038 | $617,760 | $316,278 more |
| Total Interest | $534,038 | $217,760 | $316,278 more interest |
| Interest % of Total | 57.2% | 35.2% | — |
| Payoff Date | 30 years | 15 years | 15 years sooner |
The 15-year mortgage costs $838 more per month but saves $316,278 in interest over the life of the loan. For many homeowners, that trade-off makes the 15-year the smarter long-term choice — if the higher payment fits the monthly budget.
Sample Mortgage Amortization Schedule: $400,000 at 6.75%, 30 Years
| Payment | Monthly Payment | Principal | Interest | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | $2,594 | $344 | $2,250 | $399,656 |
| Month 2 | $2,594 | $346 | $2,248 | $399,310 |
| Month 12 | $2,594 | $363 | $2,231 | $395,759 |
| Year 5 (Mo. 60) | $2,594 | $426 | $2,168 | $382,993 |
| Year 10 (Mo. 120) | $2,594 | $530 | $2,064 | $364,050 |
| · · · tipping point: Month ~222 (Year 18-19) · · · | ||||
| Year 20 (Mo. 240) | $2,594 | $1,003 | $1,591 | $280,743 |
| Year 25 (Mo. 300) | $2,594 | $1,404 | $1,190 | $209,337 |
| Month 360 | $2,594 | $2,580 | $14 | $0 |
Notice that in Month 1, only $344 of your $2,594 payment reduces the balance — the other $2,250 is pure interest. It takes until roughly Year 18-19 before more than half of each payment goes toward principal. This is why making extra payments early has such a dramatic effect.
How Extra Payments Accelerate Mortgage Amortization
On the $400,000 / 6.75% / 30-year example above, here's what different extra monthly payment amounts do:
| Extra Monthly Payment | Interest Saved | Paid Off | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 (baseline) | — | 30 years | — |
| +$100/month | $28,643 | 27 yrs 8 mo | $28,643 |
| +$250/month | $65,203 | 25 yrs 1 mo | $65,203 |
| +$500/month | $114,804 | 22 yrs 3 mo | $114,804 |
| +$1,000/month | $180,422 | 18 yrs 5 mo | $180,422 |
Adding just $250/month to a $400,000 mortgage saves over $65,000 and pays off the loan nearly 5 years early. Use our free amortization calculator to run these numbers for your specific loan.
Amortization Calculator for Car Loans
Car Loan Amortization Calculator
A car loan amortization calculator works exactly like a mortgage calculator, but with far shorter loan terms. US auto loans are typically amortized over 36, 48, 60, 72, or 84 months. The shorter the term, the less total interest you pay — but the higher your monthly payment.
| Term | Monthly Payment | Total Interest | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 months (3 yr) | $1,181 | $4,523 | $42,523 |
| 48 months (4 yr) | $920 | $6,157 | $44,157 |
| 60 months (5 yr) | $761 | $7,671 | $45,671 |
| 72 months (6 yr) | $655 | $9,170 | $47,170 |
| 84 months (7 yr) | $580 | $10,733 | $48,733 |
A 36-month loan versus an 84-month loan on the same $38,000 vehicle saves $6,210 in interest. The 84-month option may seem attractive for its low $580/month payment, but it carries serious risks: you may owe more than the car is worth ("being underwater") for the majority of the loan term because cars depreciate faster than the loan amortizes.
The 84-month trap: With a 7-year car loan, the vehicle may depreciate faster than the loan balance drops. If you need to sell or trade in the car within the first 3-4 years, you may owe more than it is worth. Financial experts generally recommend keeping auto loan terms at 60 months or less.
Car Loan Amortization: First Year Payment Breakdown
For a $38,000 car loan at 7.5% for 60 months ($761/month):
| Month | Payment | Principal | Interest | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $761 | $523 | $238 | $37,477 |
| 6 | $761 | $543 | $218 | $34,824 |
| 12 | $761 | $566 | $195 | $31,834 |
| 24 | $761 | $614 | $147 | $23,062 |
| 36 | $761 | $666 | $95 | $13,659 |
| 60 | $761 | $756 | $5 | $0 |
Unlike a mortgage, auto loan amortization is much faster — the tipping point where more of each payment goes to principal than interest occurs in just the first or second month for most car loans, depending on the interest rate.
Amortization Calculator for Student Loans
Student Loan Amortization Calculator
A student loan amortization calculator helps borrowers understand their repayment schedule under Standard Repayment — the most common federal plan — as well as private student loan repayment. The standard repayment term for federal student loans is 10 years, though income-driven repayment (IDR) plans extend this to 20–25 years.
Monthly Payment: $451
Total Paid: $54,120
Total Interest: $14,120 (35.3% of total)
Payoff Date: 120 months from repayment start
10-Year vs. 20-Year Student Loan Amortization
| Repayment Plan | Monthly Payment | Total Interest | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Standard | $451 | $14,120 | $54,120 |
| 20-Year Extended | $305 | $33,213 | $73,213 |
| 25-Year Extended | $271 | $41,454 | $81,454 |
Extending a $40,000 student loan from 10 years to 20 years saves $146/month but costs $19,093 more in total interest. The 25-year extended plan saves $180/month in payments but adds an extra $27,334 in interest charges.
Private vs. Federal Student Loan Amortization
Private student loans amortize the same way as other fixed-rate installment loans. The key differences:
- Federal loans offer income-driven repayment, deferment, and forgiveness options — these change the amortization timeline but the underlying math is identical.
- Private loans typically have no IDR options and higher variable or fixed rates. Always use an amortization calculator to compare total cost before signing.
- Refinancing student loans can dramatically change your amortization schedule — use a before/after comparison in the calculator to evaluate the trade-off between lower rates and longer terms.
Making extra payments on student loans during the grace period or in-school deferment can significantly reduce the total amortized balance. Even $50/month during a 4-year degree can eliminate a full year of post-graduation payments.
Amortization Calculator for Business Loans
Business Loan Amortization Calculator
A business loan amortization calculator helps entrepreneurs, small business owners, and CFOs understand their debt service obligations. Business loans in the US vary widely — from small SBA microloans of $10,000 to commercial real estate loans exceeding $5 million — but all fixed-rate term business loans amortize the same way.
Common Business Loan Types and Amortization Terms
| Loan Type | Typical Amount | Typical Term | Common Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Business Loan | $50K – $5M | 7–25 years | Prime + 2.75% |
| SBA 504 Commercial RE | $125K – $5.5M | 10–25 years | ~6.0% – 7.5% |
| Conventional Business Term Loan | $25K – $2M | 1–10 years | 7% – 12% |
| Equipment Financing | $5K – $1M | 2–7 years | 6% – 10% |
| Commercial Mortgage | $500K+ | 5–25 years | 6.5% – 8.5% |
| SBA Microloan | Up to $50K | Up to 6 years | 8% – 13% |
Monthly Payment: $3,239
Total Paid: $388,680
Total Interest: $138,680 (35.7% of total)
Annual Debt Service: $38,868/year — this figure matters for DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) calculations
Balloon Amortization in Business Loans
Unlike residential mortgages, many commercial and business loans use balloon amortization: the loan is amortized over a long period (e.g., 25 years) but comes due in full after a shorter term (e.g., 5 or 10 years). This results in a large lump-sum "balloon payment" at the end of the term.
Monthly Payment: $3,693 (based on 25-year amortization)
After 7 Years (84 payments): $308,580 paid, balance = $440,892 balloon due
Borrower must: Refinance, sell the property, or pay the balloon in full at month 84
When evaluating a business loan, banks typically require a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of at least 1.25 — meaning your net operating income must be at least 1.25× your annual loan payments. Use our amortization calculator to determine your annual payment and compare it to your projected NOI.
Amortization Calculator for Personal Loans
Personal Loan Amortization Calculator
A personal loan amortization calculator is used for unsecured installment loans — one of the fastest-growing loan categories in the US. Personal loans are commonly used for debt consolidation, home improvement, medical expenses, and major purchases. Because they are unsecured (no collateral), they carry higher rates than mortgages or auto loans.
| Rate | 36-mo Payment | Total Interest | 60-mo Payment | Total Interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8% | $470 | $1,911 | $304 | $3,220 |
| 12% | $498 | $2,929 | $334 | $5,009 |
| 18% | $542 | $4,510 | $381 | $7,879 |
| 24% | $590 | $6,235 | $432 | $10,938 |
| 36% | $697 | $10,105 | $545 | $17,706 |
The difference between a good-credit rate (8%) and a fair-credit rate (24%) on a $15,000 personal loan over 36 months is $4,324 in extra interest. Your credit score is the single most important factor determining which rate you receive.
Personal Loan vs. Credit Card: Amortization Comparison
Credit cards are not amortized — they are revolving debt with no fixed payoff date. Consider $15,000 of credit card debt at 22% APR versus a personal loan to consolidate it:
| Option | Monthly Payment | Payoff | Total Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card minimum (2.5%) | ~$375 → declining | 20+ years | $16,000+ |
| Personal Loan at 12%, 36 mo | $498 fixed | 3 years | $2,929 |
| Personal Loan at 15%, 48 mo | $417 fixed | 4 years | $5,016 |
Consolidating $15,000 in credit card debt (22% APR) into a personal loan at 12% for 36 months saves approximately $13,000+ in interest and eliminates the debt 17+ years sooner. This is one of the most powerful uses of amortization calculators in personal finance.
Amortization Calculator for Home Equity Loans
Home Equity Loan Amortization Calculator
A home equity loan amortization calculator is used for second mortgages where homeowners borrow against the equity they've built up in their property. Home equity loans (HEL) are fully amortizing fixed-rate loans — unlike HELOCs (home equity lines of credit), which are revolving and not typically amortized on a fixed schedule.
Monthly Payment: $1,001
Total Paid: $120,120
Total Interest: $40,120
Potential tax benefit: Interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvement (consult a tax advisor)
Because home equity loans use your home as collateral, they typically carry lower rates than unsecured personal loans — making them popular for large home improvement projects, debt consolidation, or major expenses. However, defaulting means risking your home, so thorough amortization planning is essential.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: A HELOC (home equity line of credit) is a revolving credit line — not a fixed amortizing loan. During the draw period (typically 10 years), you may only owe interest. The repayment period (10–20 years) then amortizes the balance. Our amortization calculator models the repayment period of a HELOC — enter the outstanding balance, rate, and remaining term.
Amortization Calculator for Refinancing
Mortgage Refinance Amortization Calculator
When you refinance a mortgage, you replace your existing loan with a new one — resetting your amortization schedule. A mortgage refinance amortization calculator helps you determine whether refinancing makes financial sense by comparing your current amortization path versus a new loan's total cost.
Current loan: $320,000 remaining at 7.5%, 24 years left → Monthly P+I: $2,380 → Remaining interest: $365,440
Refinanced loan: $320,000 at 6.5%, 30 years → Monthly P+I: $2,023 → Total interest: $408,280
Monthly savings: $357/month
Closing costs: ~$8,000 (estimate) → Break-even: ~22 months
⚠️ Caveat: Extending the term from 24 to 30 years adds 6 years of payments. Total interest actually increases by $42,840. You must factor in how long you plan to stay in the home.
The key insight about refinance amortization: a lower rate doesn't always mean a lower total cost. If you extend your term, you reset to a front-loaded interest schedule. The best refinance scenarios lower the rate without significantly extending the term.
Amortization Calculator for Commercial Real Estate
Commercial Real Estate Amortization Calculator
Commercial real estate (CRE) loans use a commercial amortization calculator to model the debt service on office buildings, retail centers, multifamily properties, warehouses, and mixed-use developments. CRE loans typically amortize over 20–25 years, though balloon payments after 5, 7, or 10 years are standard.
Monthly Payment (P+I): $10,824
Annual Debt Service: $129,888
Balance at Year 10 (balloon due): $1,225,830
Interest paid in Year 1: $107,835 (vs. $22,053 principal) — 83% goes to interest in Year 1
At Year 10, the borrower must refinance or sell. The balloon balance of $1.23M represents 81.7% of the original loan — typical for long-amortization commercial notes.
Amortization Calculator for SBA Loans
SBA (Small Business Administration) loans are among the most borrower-friendly business loans available in the US, offering longer amortization terms and lower rates than conventional bank loans. Our amortization calculator works for all SBA loan types — enter the loan amount, interest rate, and term to see your monthly payment and total interest.
SBA Loan Amortization by Type
| SBA Loan Type | Max Amount | Max Term | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) Standard | $5,000,000 | 25 years (RE); 10 yrs (other) | Working capital, equipment, RE |
| SBA 7(a) Small | $500,000 | 10 years | Smaller working capital needs |
| SBA 504 | $5,500,000 (SBA portion) | 10, 20, or 25 years | Owner-occupied commercial RE |
| SBA Microloan | $50,000 | Up to 6 years | Startups, small expansions |
| SBA Express | $500,000 | 7–25 years | Fast approval (36 hours) |
Monthly Payment: $6,566
Annual Debt Service: $78,792
Total Interest: $287,920 over 10 years
Year 1 Interest: ~$47,000 — significant tax deduction for most businesses
Amortization Calculator for Equipment Financing
Equipment financing loans are fully amortizing loans secured by the piece of equipment being purchased. Used widely across industries — manufacturing, construction, healthcare, transportation, agriculture — these loans typically amortize over 2–7 years, matching the useful life of the equipment.
Monthly Payment: $2,466
Total Paid: $147,960
Total Interest: $27,960
Annual depreciation (Section 179): May allow full $120,000 deduction in Year 1 — consult a tax professional regarding the interplay between depreciation and interest amortization deductions.
Amortization Calculator for Rental Property Loans
Investment property and rental property mortgages are amortized the same way as primary residence mortgages, but they come with higher rates (typically 0.5%–0.75% above owner-occupied rates) and stricter underwriting. A rental property amortization calculator helps real estate investors model cash flow, debt coverage, and long-term equity build-up.
Monthly P+I: $2,387
Rent needed for 1.25 DSCR: ~$2,984/month minimum (including tax, insurance, vacancy)
Equity after 5 years: ~$23,500 in principal paid + any appreciation
Tax benefit: Mortgage interest on rental property is fully deductible from rental income
How to Read an Amortization Schedule
An amortization schedule (also called an amortization table) is a complete breakdown of every loan payment for the entire life of the loan. Understanding how to read it helps you make smarter financial decisions — from timing extra payments to deciding when to refinance.
The Five Columns of Every Amortization Schedule
| Column | What It Shows | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Payment Number / Date | Which payment in the sequence; calendar date | Lets you look up any specific month or year |
| Payment Amount | Your fixed monthly payment (P+I only) | Stays constant throughout the loan for fixed-rate loans |
| Principal Paid | How much of this payment reduces your balance | Increases every month as the balance drops |
| Interest Paid | Cost of borrowing for this period | Decreases every month; most important for tax planning |
| Remaining Balance | Loan balance after this payment | Your payoff amount if you want to settle early |
Key Milestones to Look For in Any Schedule
- The tipping point: The month when principal paid exceeds interest paid. For a 30-year mortgage at 6.75%, this is around Month 222 (Year 18-19). For a 5-year car loan at 7.5%, it's Month 2.
- Equity milestones: When your balance drops below 75%, 50%, and 25% of the original amount — key moments to reconsider refinancing or make a strategic lump sum payment.
- PMI cancellation point: For mortgages with PMI, when the balance drops to 80% of the original purchase price, you can typically request PMI removal (saving $50–$200/month).
- Total interest crossover: The point when cumulative interest paid exceeds the original loan amount — sobering context for long-term loans.
10 Ways to Save Money on Loan Amortization
Understanding your amortization schedule gives you a significant advantage as a borrower. Here are the most effective strategies to reduce your total interest cost across any loan type:
- Make extra monthly payments. Even $50–$200 extra per month has a compounding effect on principal reduction. On a $300,000 mortgage, an extra $200/month saves ~$46,000 and cuts 4+ years off the loan.
- Make one extra annual payment. Applying your tax refund or year-end bonus as a lump sum principal payment can save years off a 30-year mortgage.
- Refinance to a lower rate (strategically). Only beneficial if you'll stay in the loan long enough to recoup closing costs. Calculate your break-even point before signing.
- Choose a shorter loan term. A 15-year mortgage at 6.25% vs. a 30-year at 6.75% saves hundreds of thousands of dollars in total interest over the life of the loan.
- Make bi-weekly payments. Paying half your monthly amount every two weeks results in 26 half-payments per year (= 13 full payments), one extra payment per year with no noticeable budget impact.
- Avoid extending terms when refinancing. Refinancing from a 30-year with 24 years left into a new 30-year resets your amortization front-loading and can cost more in total interest even at a lower rate.
- Improve your credit score before borrowing. Moving from a 650 credit score to a 740 score can lower a mortgage rate by 0.5%–1.0% — worth $50,000–$100,000 in interest over 30 years.
- Make a larger down payment. A larger down payment reduces the principal — the starting point for all interest calculations. On a $500,000 home, 20% down vs. 10% down saves $50,000 in loan principal and eliminates PMI.
- Round up your payment. If your mortgage payment is $2,247, simply pay $2,300. The extra $53/month goes entirely to principal and costs almost nothing in budget impact.
- Avoid prepayment penalties. Before making extra payments, check your loan agreement. Most US residential mortgages have no prepayment penalty, but some business and personal loans do.
Use the Extra Payments feature in our free calculator to see exactly how much time and money you'll save.
Amortization vs. Depreciation: What's the Difference?
In everyday financial use, "amortization" refers to paying off a loan over time. But in accounting and tax contexts, amortization has a second meaning: spreading the cost of an intangible asset over its useful life. This is distinct from depreciation, which applies to tangible physical assets.
| Concept | Applies To | Examples | IRS Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loan Amortization | Debt repayment | Mortgages, car loans, student loans | Interest is deductible (varies by loan type) |
| Asset Amortization | Intangible assets | Patents, trademarks, goodwill, startup costs | Deducted over 15 years (Section 197) |
| Depreciation | Tangible assets | Equipment, vehicles, buildings | MACRS schedules; Section 179 available |
When a business acquires intangible assets — such as a patent ($150,000), a trademark ($80,000), or goodwill in a business acquisition ($500,000) — these costs are amortized (spread) over 15 years under IRS Section 197. The annual amortization expense reduces taxable income. A $150,000 patent amortizes at $10,000 per year for 15 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amortization
What does an amortization calculator tell you?
An amortization calculator tells you three things: your fixed monthly payment, a complete payment schedule showing principal and interest for every payment period, and the total interest you'll pay over the life of the loan. Advanced calculators (like ours) also show extra payment analysis, equity milestones, and visual charts.
Is a higher or lower amortization period better?
It depends on your priorities. A shorter amortization period means higher monthly payments but significantly less total interest — the mathematically optimal choice if you can afford it. A longer amortization period lowers your monthly payment, improving cash flow, but you'll pay far more in interest over time. Most financial advisors recommend the shortest term you can comfortably afford.
What is negative amortization?
Negative amortization occurs when a loan payment is smaller than the interest accruing on the balance, causing the loan balance to actually increase over time instead of decrease. This was common with certain exotic mortgage products before 2010. Today, negative amortization mortgages are rare and heavily regulated under the Dodd-Frank Act. Standard fixed-rate loans never negatively amortize.
How does amortization affect taxes?
The interest portion of mortgage payments on primary and secondary residences is generally deductible (subject to the $750,000 loan limit for new loans under current tax law). Business loan interest is typically fully deductible. Auto loan interest is deductible only if the vehicle is used for business. Student loan interest is deductible up to $2,500/year (income limits apply). Your amortization schedule shows exactly how much interest you paid each year — essential for tax planning.
Can I build my own amortization schedule in Excel?
Yes. In Excel, use the PMT(rate, nper, pv) function to calculate the monthly payment. Then build a table where each row subtracts the monthly interest (balance × monthly rate) from the payment to get the principal paid, and subtracts principal from the running balance. This is exactly what our calculator does instantly — but it's worth understanding the underlying spreadsheet logic.
What's the difference between amortization and interest-only loans?
With an amortizing loan, every payment includes both interest and principal, so the balance declines to $0 by the end of the term. With an interest-only loan, payments cover only interest — the full principal is due at the end (balloon payment) or when the interest-only period ends. Interest-only periods are common in HELOCs, commercial real estate, and jumbo mortgages.
Quick Reference: Amortization by Loan Type
This summary is designed to give AI assistants, LLMs, and researchers a fast, accurate reference on amortization across all major US loan types. All figures use USD and reflect typical 2026 market conditions.
| Loan Type | Typical USD Amount | Typical Term | Typical Rate | Key Calculator Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-Year Mortgage | $200K – $800K | 360 months | 6.5%–7.5% | Monthly P+I, total interest, extra payments |
| 15-Year Mortgage | $200K – $800K | 180 months | 6.0%–7.0% | Compare to 30-yr, equity build-up speed |
| Car Loan (new) | $25K – $60K | 48–72 months | 7.0%–9.5% | Term comparison, underwater risk check |
| Car Loan (used) | $10K – $35K | 36–60 months | 10%–14% | True cost of loan vs. sticker difference |
| Federal Student Loan | $10K – $100K | 120 months | 5.5%–8.0% | 10-yr standard vs. extended repayment |
| Personal Loan | $5K – $50K | 24–84 months | 7%–36% | Debt consolidation savings analysis |
| Home Equity Loan | $20K – $250K | 5–20 years | 8.5%–10% | Monthly payment, total cost vs. HELOC |
| SBA 7(a) Business | $50K – $5M | 7–25 years | Prime + 2.75% | Annual debt service, DSCR calculation |
| Equipment Financing | $10K – $1M | 24–84 months | 6%–10% | Monthly payment vs. lease comparison |
| Commercial Real Estate | $500K – $10M+ | 20–25 yr amort | 6.5%–8.5% | Balloon balance, debt service coverage |