Semi Truck Payment Calculator
Price, down payment, APR, term — this is the same amortization math your lender runs, so you see the real monthly payment before you sign, not the rounded number a finance office quotes off the top of their head.
How this is calculated
payment = P × r(1+r)^n ÷ ((1+r)^n − 1)
P = financed amount, r = monthly rate, n = months
At 0% APR, the payment simply divides the financed amount evenly across the loan term.
FAQ
What APR should I expect on a semi truck loan?
It depends heavily on credit and time in business. Established owner-operators with strong credit often see high-single-digit APRs. First-time buyers and newer startups commonly see 10-20% or more. Rates also ride the broader lending market, so always collect 2-3 quotes before you sign — the spread between lenders on the same buyer can be wide.
How much down payment do lenders want?
Most commercial lenders want 10-25% down. Zero-down programs exist, but the lender doesn't absorb that risk for free — expect a higher APR to offset it, so run both scenarios through this calculator before deciding which one actually costs less over the life of the loan.
Should I lease or buy?
Leasing typically lowers your monthly payment and shifts maintenance in exchange for mileage caps and end-of-term terms you don't control. Buying costs more up front but builds equity you can sell or trade later. The deciding inputs are your cash buffer and how long you actually keep trucks. Either way, run the resulting payment through the cost per mile calculator to see how it lands in your all-in cost.
Watch out for balloon payments
Some commercial notes advertise an attractively low monthly payment by structuring a large balloon payment due at the end of the term. That low payment isn't the real cost of the loan — always compare the total paid over the full term, which this calculator shows, before you compare offers side by side.