Questions about our calculators, answered
These are real questions people have searched for. Each answer is written by one of our authors and links to the calculator that covers it. The figures are examples from the calculators, so your numbers will differ.
Published: November 6, 2026
Are there calculators that include origination fees?
Answer by Ashok Nath, software developer and analyst
Yes. The Mortgage Closing Cost Calculator has an origination fee field, which you enter as a percentage of the loan. For example, 1% of a $300,000 loan is $3,000. Use the figure from your Loan Estimate, since each lender sets its own fee.
How do I work out the total cost of owning a car?
Answer by Ashok Nath, software developer and analyst
Use the Total Cost of Ownership Calculator. It adds the value the car loses to the yearly running costs (insurance, fuel or charging, maintenance, and registration) over the years you keep the car. For example, a $30,000 car that loses 15% of its value a year, with $4,200 a year in running costs, costs $37,689 over five years, or about $628 a month.
How much interest does a credit card charge each month?
Answer by Ashok Nath, software developer and analyst
The Credit Card Interest Calculator divides the APR by 365 to get a daily rate, then multiplies that rate by the balance and by the days in the billing cycle. For example, a $3,000 average balance at 24% APR over 30 days comes to about $59 of interest. Your statement may use a different method, so check it.
How do I calculate a pay raise?
Answer by Ashok Nath, software developer and analyst
Multiply your current salary by 1 plus the raise percentage, then subtract the old salary to get the yearly increase. A $60,000 salary with a 4% raise becomes $62,400, a $2,400 yearly increase, or $92.31 more per paycheck across 26 paychecks. These figures are before tax.
Does the cash back calculator include the annual fee?
Answer by Ashok Nath, software developer and analyst
Yes. It works out the yearly cash back, then subtracts the annual fee. At $1,000 a month with 2% back, a $95 fee leaves you $145 ahead. At $300 a month with 1.5% back, the same fee leaves you $41 behind. The calculator uses one flat rate, so enter the rate that applies to most of your spending.
How is FHA mortgage insurance calculated?
Answer by Ashok Nath, software developer and analyst
An FHA loan has an upfront premium, which is a percentage of the base loan that you can pay at closing or add to the loan, and an annual premium, which is spread across the monthly payments. The FHA Loan Calculator applies the rates you enter to the base loan. HUD sets the current rates, so check HUD's schedule before you rely on any figure.
What calculator can help me understand my debt payoff timeline?
Answer by Monica Tulips, finance writer
The Debt Payoff Calculator shows how long a balance takes to clear at a given payment, and how much interest it costs. For example, $8,000 at 24% APR takes 82 payments and about $8,255 in interest at $200 a month. At $400 a month it takes 26 payments and about $2,319 in interest. The calculator assumes a fixed rate and no new charges.
How do I split my take-home pay into a budget?
Answer by Monica Tulips, finance writer
One common method is the 50/30/20 rule: 50% of take-home pay for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and debt repayment. The 50/30/20 Budget Calculator applies that split to your pay. The Monthly Budget Calculator lists your spending, so you can see where the money goes.
Open the 50/30/20 Budget Calculator → · Open the Monthly Budget Calculator →
How much house can I afford with an FHA loan?
Answer by Monica Tulips, finance writer
Start with the monthly payment you can manage, including property tax and home insurance, then work back to a price. The Home Affordability Calculator estimates a price from your gross yearly income, the share of income you want to spend on housing, and the loan terms. The FHA Loan Calculator then shows how the upfront and annual insurance change the payment for that price.
Open the Home Affordability Calculator → · Open the FHA Loan Calculator →
Should I lease or buy a car?
Answer by Monica Tulips, finance writer
Compare both over the same number of years, with the same running costs. The Lease vs Buy Calculator puts the two side by side. Check the figures against your lease contract, since mileage limits and fees vary from one lease offer to another.
Not sure which calculator to use?
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