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Car Lease Calculator

Enter your vehicle price, residual value, down payment, term, APR and tax rate to see your estimated monthly lease payment.

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Monthly payment--
Depreciation portion--
Finance charge--

Estimates only.

How it works

A lease payment has two components: a depreciation charge and a finance charge. The depreciation charge covers the portion of the car's value you use during the lease. The finance charge is the cost of borrowing, calculated from the money factor.

Formula: Depreciation = (Adjusted cap cost - Residual) / Term. Finance charge = (Adjusted cap cost + Residual) x Money factor. Monthly base = Depreciation + Finance charge. Add sales tax to get your total payment.

The money factor is APR divided by 2,400. A lower residual means higher depreciation and a higher payment. A higher down payment (cap cost reduction) lowers your monthly payment but does not build equity. These are estimates only -- not financial advice. Confirm exact lease terms with the dealer before signing.

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FAQs

What is a money factor?

The money factor is the interest rate expressed in lease terms. Divide APR by 2,400 to convert. A money factor of 0.00208 equals roughly 5% APR.

What is residual value in a car lease?

Residual value is the predicted worth of the vehicle at lease end, set by the leasing company as a percentage of MSRP. A higher residual lowers your monthly payment because you are financing less depreciation.

Does a down payment lower monthly lease payments?

Yes. A larger down payment (called a cap cost reduction) reduces the adjusted capitalized cost, which lowers both the depreciation and finance portions of each payment.

Is it better to lease or buy a car?

Leasing usually means lower monthly payments and the ability to drive a new car every few years. Buying builds equity and is cheaper long-term if you keep the vehicle. These are estimates only -- not financial or legal advice.

What happens at the end of a car lease?

You return the vehicle, buy it out at the residual price, or lease a new car. Excess mileage and wear-and-tear charges may apply at return.

How does sales tax apply to a lease payment?

Most states tax each monthly lease payment rather than the full vehicle price. This calculator applies your tax rate to each payment. Rules vary by state -- confirm with the dealer.