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Loan Term

Quick Answer

The loan term is the length of time you have to repay a loan in full, typically expressed in years or months.

Definition

The loan term is the length of time you have to repay a loan in full, typically expressed in years or months.

Explanation

The loan term directly affects your monthly payment and total interest cost. Shorter terms have higher monthly payments but much less total interest. Longer terms have lower payments but more total interest.

Common mortgage terms are 15 and 30 years. Auto loans range from 3-7 years. Personal loans typically have 1-5 year terms.

Example

A $280,000 loan at 6.5%: 30-year term = $1,770/month. 15-year term = $2,440/month but saves over $180,000 in total interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Loan Term?

The loan term is the length of time you have to repay a loan in full, typically expressed in years or months.

How does Loan Term work?

The loan term directly affects your monthly payment and total interest cost. Shorter terms have higher monthly payments but much less total interest. Longer terms have lower payments but more total interest.Common mortgage terms are 15 and 30 years. Auto loans range from 3-7 years. Personal loans typically have 1-5 year terms.

Can you give an example of Loan Term?

A $280,000 loan at 6.5%: 30-year term = $1,770/month. 15-year term = $2,440/month but saves over $180,000 in total interest.

Free Excel Templates

Also try our free Mortgage Amortization Schedule template

Create a detailed mortgage amortization schedule. See exactly how much principal and interest you pay each month over the loan term.

Download Mortgage Amortization Schedule

Related Calculators

→ Mortgage Calculator→ Loan Calculator

Related Blog Posts

β†’ How to Calculate Mortgage Payments: A Complete Guide

Related Terms

→ Mortgage→ Amortization→ Principal
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Next: Down Payment β†’

Information provided for educational purposes. Always consult a qualified financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.