Method
The calculator simulates the balance month by month. Each month, interest is added from APR / 12 and the entered payment reduces the balance. Extra monthly and one-time payments reduce principal in this simplified model.
Example
A $10,000 balance at 12% APR with a $350 monthly payment takes about 34 months to repay and costs roughly $1,700 in interest in this simplified model.
Common mistakes
Do not keep adding new charges if the goal is payoff. New borrowing can erase the effect of extra payments.
Limitations
Real debts can include variable rates, late fees, promotional rates, prepayment rules or changing minimum payments. This page is an educational estimate, not a lender payoff quote.
References
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: debt collection and repayment resources, accessed 2026-05-16.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-16