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APR Calculator

This APR calculator finds the true annual cost of credit when a loan carries an upfront fee. It reports the monthly payment, the net amount you receive, the stated rate, the APR including the fee, and the extra cost of the fee in percentage points.

By the Paydayloaning Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-09-16

Advertising disclosure: Paydayloaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.

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How this calculator works

The APR is the yearly cost of credit once upfront fees are included, and it is usually higher than the advertised rate. The fee reduces the money you actually receive while the payments stay based on the full amount, so the real cost of the money you got is higher.

The calculator finds the monthly rate that makes the present value of the payments equal the net amount you received, then annualises it. It also shows the extra cost of the fee in percentage points, which is simply the APR minus the stated rate. If the fee is zero, the APR equals the stated rate.

Enter the upfront fees from your own offer, such as an origination fee. Under the federal Truth in Lending Act the lender must disclose the finance charge and the APR in writing before you sign, so compare that disclosure with this result.

Advertising disclosure: Paydayloaning may receive a referral fee if you apply through the link above. That fee does not change the rate you are offered, and it does not change our content. We are not a lender. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants. Read the full disclosure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the stated rate and the APR?
The stated rate is the cost of borrowing the principal. The APR also folds in upfront fees, so it reflects the total yearly cost of credit and is the number to compare across offers.
Why is the APR higher than my rate?
An upfront fee lowers the net amount you receive while your payments stay the same. To break even on the smaller amount you actually got, the effective rate must be higher than the quoted rate.
What does the extra cost in points mean?
It is the difference between the APR and the stated rate, measured in percentage points. A stated rate of 10% with an APR of 12% means the fee adds two points to the true annual cost.
Which fees should I include?
Include upfront fees paid at closing, such as an origination fee. Leave out late fees and optional add-ons, because those depend on your behavior rather than the loan's base cost.

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Advertising disclosure: we may receive a referral fee. The lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants.

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