How to use the debt consolidation calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Compare current debts with a proposed fixed-rate consolidation loan using explicit balances, APRs and minimum payments. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Debts — balance,APR,min payment: keep one record per line and preserve the column order shown in the example. Replace the example data with your own complete dataset.
- Consolidation APR (%): enter a value at least 0 and no more than 100. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Consolidation term (years): enter a value at least 0.01 and no more than 20. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Consolidation fees: enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Consolidation monthly payment first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is $264.59. Compare the additional metrics with the primary result; each has its own label and unit.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Consolidation APR (%) from 10 to 11. The resulting Consolidation monthly payment is $268.46. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
Read the chart’s axis labels and data table. A scenario curve changes one stated input while holding the others fixed; it does not add external observations. Use Download graph to save an available chart as a PNG.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Debt Consolidation Calculator formula
Current weighted APR is balance-weighted; consolidation payment uses standard amortization and entered term.
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Debts — balance,APR,min payment | One row per line | 5000,24,150
3000,12,100 |
| Consolidation APR (%) | minimum 0; maximum 100 | 10 |
| Consolidation term (years) | minimum 0.01; maximum 20 | 3 |
| Consolidation fees | minimum 0 | 200 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the consolidation monthly payment is $264.59.
- Consolidation monthly payment
- $264.59
- Current total minimums
- $250.00
- Current balance-weighted APR
- 19.5%
- Consolidated principal + fees
- $8,200.00
Results and assumptions
This compares payment structure only and does not determine eligibility or account-closing effects.
Fix an input or unexpected result
Consolidation APR (%) is required. Enter consolidation apr (%) using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.