RealCostly
Financial Decision Calculators (MVP)

Real APR Loan Calculator

Many “APR” quotes hide fees. This calculator estimates the effective APR by treating upfront fees as part of the cost of borrowing.

Inputs

Amount you borrow (before fees).
e.g., 36 months.
APR shown by lender (may exclude fees).
Origination + admin + broker, etc.

Amortization (first 12 months)

Month Payment Interest Principal Balance

“Real APR” here is an approximation computed by finding the interest rate that makes the present value of payments match the net amount you actually receive (principal minus fees). Educational use only.

Results

Monthly payment (quoted APR)
Total interest (quoted APR)
Total cost (payments + fees)
Approx. “Real APR” (fees included)
Sponsored

How it’s calculated

1) We compute the monthly payment from the quoted APR and loan term.
2) We generate an amortization schedule (interest + principal).
3) We estimate a “real APR” by solving for the rate where:
PV(payments) = principal − upfront fees

FAQ

Is this exact APR?
Not necessarily. True APR rules vary by country. This is a practical estimate for comparing offers.

What fees should I include?
Origination, admin, broker, mandatory insurance premiums paid upfront.