APR Formula:
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APR (Annual Percentage Rate) represents the annual cost of borrowing money, including interest and fees. It provides a standardized way to compare different loan and credit card offers.
The calculator uses the APR formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates the annualized interest rate by scaling the actual interest paid over the loan term to a yearly basis.
Details: APR helps consumers understand the true cost of borrowing and compare different financial products. It's required by law to be disclosed in most consumer credit agreements.
Tips: Enter the interest amount in your local currency, the principal loan amount in the same currency, and the loan term in days. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What's the difference between APR and interest rate?
A: Interest rate is the cost of borrowing the principal, while APR includes additional fees and costs, giving a more comprehensive view of the loan's cost.
Q2: Why use 365 days instead of 360?
A: Using 365 days provides a more accurate annual calculation, though some financial institutions use 360 days for simplicity in certain calculations.
Q3: What is a good APR?
A: Lower APRs are better for borrowers. Good APRs vary by loan type and creditworthiness, but generally below 10% is considered good for personal loans.
Q4: Does APR include compound interest?
A: This simple APR calculation assumes simple interest. For compound interest, more complex formulas are needed to account for compounding periods.
Q5: Can APR be negative?
A: Typically no, as it represents the cost of borrowing. However, in rare cases with certain financial products, negative rates can occur.