Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Scenario | Loan Amount | Fee Setup | Fee Treatment | APR | Term | Total Fees | Net Funds | Monthly Payment | Approx Effective APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example A | $15,000.00 | 3.00% + $120.00 | Withheld from proceeds | 11.50% | 48 months | $570.00 | $14,430.00 | $391.34 | 13.59% |
| Example B | $20,000.00 | 4.00% + $150.00 | Added to repayment balance | 10.25% | 60 months | $950.00 | $20,000.00 | $447.71 | 12.28% |
Formula used
Origination Fee = (Loan Amount × Fee Rate) + Fixed Fee
Total Fees = Origination Fee + Additional Upfront Fees
If fees are financed: Amount Financed = Loan Amount + Total Fees
Otherwise: Amount Financed = Loan Amount
Withheld: Loan Amount - Total Fees
Financed: Loan Amount
Paid separately: Loan Amount - Total Fees
Payment = P × r ÷ (1 - (1 + r)^-n)
Where P is financed balance, r is monthly rate, and n is the number of months.
The calculator estimates the rate that makes the present value of all scheduled payments equal to the net funds available after fees.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the approved personal loan amount before deductions.
- Choose whether the origination fee is percentage-based, fixed, or both.
- Add any extra upfront charges that affect usable loan proceeds.
- Select whether fees are withheld, financed, or paid separately.
- Enter the nominal annual rate and repayment term in months.
- Click Calculate fee impact to show results above the form.
- Use the CSV and PDF buttons to export the current result summary.
Frequently asked questions
What is an origination fee?
An origination fee is a lender charge for processing, underwriting, and funding a loan. It is usually a percentage of the approved amount, but some lenders use flat fees or combine both methods.
Does the fee reduce the money I receive?
Often yes. If the lender withholds the fee, your approved loan stays the same, but your disbursed cash drops. If the fee is financed, you receive more cash upfront but repay a larger balance.
What does financed fee treatment mean?
Financed treatment adds the fee to the amount being repaid. That increases your principal, monthly payment, total interest, and long-term borrowing cost, even though your upfront disbursement stays higher.
Why is effective APR different from stated APR?
Stated APR is based on the financed balance. Effective APR also reflects reduced usable funds after fees. When you receive less cash but repay similar installments, your real borrowing cost becomes higher.
Should I compare loans using net funds available?
Yes. Two loans can show similar rates but deliver different usable cash after fees. Comparing net funds, total repayment, and effective APR gives a more realistic side-by-side borrowing comparison.
Can this calculator handle fixed and percentage fees?
Yes. You can enter a percentage-based origination charge, a flat fixed charge, plus additional upfront fees. The tool combines them to show deductions, financed balances, and payment effects clearly.
Does this calculator replace lender disclosures?
No. It is an estimating tool for planning and comparison. Always confirm details using the lender’s agreement, repayment schedule, and official disclosure statement before accepting any loan offer.
What inputs matter most when comparing offers?
Focus on gross loan amount, fee size, fee treatment, APR, and term length. Together these inputs determine net cash received, monthly payment, total repayment, and your overall borrowing efficiency.