Edmunds Auto Lease Calculator

Calculator Inputs

MSRP

Negotiated Selling Price

Lease Term Months

Residual Percent

Residual Amount Optional

Money Factor

APR Percent Optional

Monthly Tax Percent

Acquisition Fee

Document Fee

Registration Fee

Other Taxable Fees

Non Taxable Fees

Manufacturer Rebate

Trade Equity Used

Cash Down Payment

Security Deposit

Disposition Fee

Annual Miles Allowed

Expected Annual Miles

Excess Mile Charge

Roll Fees Into Lease

First Payment Due at Signing

Example Data Table

Scenario	MSRP	Selling Price	Residual	Money Factor	Term	Estimated Payment
Compact offer	$35,000	$32,500	58%	0.001900	36 months	$408.17
Family SUV	$42,000	$39,000	55%	0.002100	39 months	$459.86
Short lease	$28,000	$26,500	60%	0.001600	24 months	$467.31

Formula Used

Residual value = MSRP × Residual percent.

Gross capitalized cost = Selling price + Rolled fees.

Adjusted capitalized cost = Gross capitalized cost − Rebates − Trade equity − Cash down.

Depreciation charge = Adjusted capitalized cost − Residual value, divided by lease months.

Rent charge = Adjusted capitalized cost + Residual value, multiplied by money factor.

Monthly payment = Depreciation charge + Rent charge + Monthly tax.

Equivalent annual rate = Money factor × 2,400.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the vehicle MSRP and negotiated selling price first.

Add the lease term, residual percent, and money factor.

Use the APR box only when the money factor is unavailable.

Enter taxes, fees, rebates, down payment, and trade equity.

Add mileage details to estimate possible end charges.

Press the calculate button. The result appears below the header and above the form.

Use CSV for spreadsheets. Use PDF for saving or sharing the result.

Smart Lease Planning

A car lease can look simple at first. The real cost often sits in small details. This calculator brings those details into one clear worksheet. It uses the selling price, residual value, money factor, term, taxes, fees, rebates, and cash paid at signing. Each entry changes the payment. That makes comparison easier.

Why Lease Inputs Matter

The negotiated price is the starting cost. The residual value is the expected vehicle value at lease end. A higher residual usually lowers the payment. The money factor is the lease finance rate. It works like interest, but it is written in decimal form. Multiply it by 2,400 to view an approximate annual rate.

Taxes and Fees

Lease taxes vary by location. Many shoppers pay tax on each monthly payment. Some areas use different rules. This page uses monthly tax for planning. Acquisition fees, document fees, registration fees, and other charges can be paid upfront or rolled into the lease. Rolling fees into the lease raises the adjusted capitalized cost. That usually increases the monthly payment.

Mileage and End Costs

Mileage limits also matter. A low allowance may reduce the payment. It can create larger end charges. Enter expected miles to estimate possible excess mileage cost. Add any disposition fee for a more complete picture. These items help show the cost beyond the advertised monthly figure.

Better Comparisons

Use the calculator for several offers. Change one input at a time. Try different terms, residual values, down payments, and money factors. A lower monthly payment is not always the best deal. Large upfront cash can hide the real cost. The effective monthly cost helps compare offers fairly.

Practical Use

Keep copies of dealer worksheets. Match each value to this tool. Ask questions when numbers do not match. Focus on adjusted capitalized cost, residual value, rent charge, tax, and due at signing. These values explain most lease differences. The tool is for estimates. Final contracts may include local rules, lender terms, insurance costs, and dealer policies.

Record Keeping

Save each result before negotiations. Export a CSV for spreadsheets. Download a PDF for quick sharing. Keep notes about incentives, trade value, and due dates. Organized records make final review easier during negotiation too.

FAQs

What is a money factor?

A money factor is the lease finance rate. It helps calculate the rent charge. Multiply it by 2,400 to estimate an annual rate.

What is residual value?

Residual value is the expected vehicle value at lease end. Higher residual values usually lower monthly lease payments.

Should I enter residual percent or amount?

Enter the residual percent when that is available. Enter a residual amount when the dealer provides an exact dollar value.

What does adjusted capitalized cost mean?

It is the financed lease amount after rolled fees and reductions. It strongly affects the monthly payment.

Should fees be rolled into the lease?

Rolling fees lowers upfront cash needs. It usually raises the monthly payment because more cost is financed.

Does this include local tax rules?

This calculator uses monthly tax for planning. Some locations tax leases differently. Review the contract before signing.

Why add expected annual miles?

Expected miles estimate possible excess mileage charges. This helps show likely end costs beyond the monthly payment.

Can I compare dealer offers?

Yes. Enter each offer separately. Compare monthly payment, due at signing, adjusted cost, and effective monthly cost.