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APR vs interest rate

Compare the quoted interest rate with the true annual cost after fees.

Built and maintained by The NumberPrism Editorial TeamEditorial policy

Your details

%
Results update as you type. The formula and assumptions are explained below the calculator.

Estimated APR including fees

6.09%

Quoted interest rate6.00%
Monthly payment$1,798.65
Fees paid upfront$3,000.00
Total interest over the term$347,514.57

Estimate only, from the monthly cash-flow IRR. Lenders may calculate APR with different fee lists and compounding conventions, and this ignores taxes and late fees.

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How to compare APR with the quoted rate

Add the costs that reduce the money you actually receive.

1

Enter the loan terms

Use the amount borrowed, the quoted rate and the full term.

2

Add upfront fees

Include origination, documentation and other lender charges.

3

Compare the rates

The gap between APR and the quoted rate is the cost of the fees.

What does this tool do?

Fees reduce the cash you actually receive while the payment stays the same, which pushes the real cost above the quoted rate. This calculator solves for the monthly rate that equates the net proceeds with the payment stream.

The Formula

Solve for r: Net proceeds = Payment × [1 − (1 + r)^−n] ÷ r; APR = r × 12

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is APR higher than the interest rate?

Because origination and closing fees are deducted upfront, so you pay interest on money you did not fully receive.

Does APR include every cost?

It depends on the lender. This estimate covers the fees entered here; title, appraisal, insurance and prepayment costs may be excluded.