A business loan calculator can help you determine the monthly payments and total interest costs of a small-business loan. To use the calculator, enter your:
- Loan amount.
- Length of the loan term.
- Annual interest rate.
You can adjust the loan amount, loan term or interest rate in the business loan calculator to see how changes in loan characteristics can affect repayment. (This is one reason it's important to shop around and compare offers for business loans.)
Business loan calculator
Monthly payment: This is the fixed amount you’ll repay each month. It includes principal, interest and fees.
Total payments: This is the sum of all the payments to make on the loan, which includes the amount you borrowed, plus interest and fees.
Total interest paid: The total interest paid represents what the lender is charging you for the loan. If you repay the loan early, you may be able to save on interest.
APR: This number represents the true annual cost of the loan and makes it easier to do an apples-to-apples comparison between products. Some lenders do not provide APR and instead give a general interest rate that does not include any fees. APR for business loans depends on your credit score and your business’s finances, including annual revenue and time in business.
How much do you need?
We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.
Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.
Terms, rates and qualifications vary by lender, but here are key features of different kinds of small-business loans.
Bank loans
Lots of different types of lenders exist for small businesses, but banks are the most well known. To qualify for a bank loan, small-business owners typically need a high personal credit score (starting in the 700s). Banks also tend to look for several years of operating history and strong cash flow from the business. Sometimes, banks require collateral or a personal guarantee.
SBA loans
The Small Business Administration works with banks and other financial institutions to provide small-business loans that have low interest rates and long repayment terms. However, it takes time to get an SBA loan, and borrowers must clear several hurdles to qualify. Small-business owners must have good personal credit (690 or higher, although some SBA lenders may have lower score requirements), and the business must demonstrate strong financial performance.
» MORE: NerdWallet’s guide to SBA loans
Term loans
Term loans typically range from three to 18 months for a short-term loan to 10 years or longer for a long-term loan. Business owners can use the financing, which usually runs up to $500,000, for specific items such as equipment or inventory.
Lines of credit
A business line of credit provides flexible access to cash. Similar to a credit card, you get a specific amount of credit and make payments only on the money you use.
Equipment financing
Equipment financing is a loan to buy equipment, and the equipment is the collateral. Equipment lenders often finance up to 100% of the value of the equipment. You repay the loan over time with interest.
Invoice factoring and invoice financing
Invoice factoring involves selling unpaid customer invoices to a factoring company that then collects the money from your customers. Invoice financing is an alternative that gives small businesses more control over the invoices. One advantage of invoice factoring and financing is that the funds arrive in your bank account relatively faster than other types of financing.
Personal loans
A personal loan for business may be an option for new businesses that don’t qualify for traditional financing. Lenders consider your personal credit score and income instead of your business history.
Business credit cards
A business credit card can also be easier to get than a small-business loan. However, business credit cards tend to have relatively low credit limits, but you can earn rewards, such as cash back or travel points.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business loans stretch up to 10 years or longer, but you’ll likely need to have an established business with strong finances to qualify for such loans.
Online lenders typically charge business loan rates from 6% to 99% APR. You’ll likely find the lowest rates through SBA 7(a) loans, which are set based on the daily prime rate plus a lender spread.
The difficulty in getting a business loan depends on factors that include where you get the loan, the strength of your credit score and the business’s finances, and whether you’re prepared to apply.