How to calculate the interest rate on a personal loan? A simple guide

Higher interest rates raise total borrowing costs, impacting loan payments. Personal loans do not require collateral, and approval is based on credit and income. Rates vary from 10.50% to 24%, making it vital for borrowers to compare lender offers and understand interest calculations.

Dakshita Ojha
Published3 Mar 2025, 04:34 PM IST
Personal Loan Interest Rates Explained: Factors Influencing Your Total Borrowing Costs
Personal Loan Interest Rates Explained: Factors Influencing Your Total Borrowing Costs

Financial wisdom depends on grasping the operations of personal loan interest rates. Interest rate variations directly control your regular payments throughout the loan period as well as the total expense and available funding of your loan. Personal loan interest rates can be understood through an easy method which explains influencing variables presented in this article.

Also Read | Small Personal Loans: How to apply, qualify, and get funds

Understanding personal loan

Without the requirement to pledge assets as collateral you can obtain personal loans since they operate free from security constraints. Your situation does not affect the lender's decision about approval because they base qualification on your financial history and creditworthiness as well as your income.

Understanding interest rates on personal loans

The percentage value of the loan reflects interest rates as they represent the total expense of borrowing. The total loan expense increases substantially when interest rates become higher since it impacts all instalment payments during the borrowing period.

The combination of personal loan interest rates depends on multiple factors such as your credit score and loan amount and loan duration and market situation but typically range from 10.50% to 24%. Potential borrowers must evaluate different lender offers since loan interest rates differ.

Also Read | How personal loans can be a lifeline for middle-class families in crisis

How to calculate the interest rate on personal loans

Simple interest calculation

The following formula is used by a basic interest calculator to determine the loan amount:

P (1+RT) = A

Interest A-P is the formula used to determine interest paid on a loan.

Where,

  • A: Total sum paid.
  • P: Principal amount.
  • R: Interest rate.
  • T: Years.

Compound interest Formula

The following formula is used by a compound interest calculator to determine the loan amount:

A=P (1+r/n)^nt

Interest A-P is the formula used to determine interest paid on a loan.

  • A: Total sum paid.
  • P: Principal amount.
  • R: Interest rate.
  • T: Number of years.
  • N: Number of times interest is compounded annually.

Factors influencing personal loan interest rate

  1. Credit score: Lenders provide borrowers who have good credit score above 750+ with reduced interest rates because they pose lesser risk to future payments.
  2. Income: Stable and larger incomes lead to lower interest rates as they indicate better debt-repayment capability.
  3. Debt income ratio: A low debt-income ratio proves financial reliability to lenders who in return offer cheaper interest rates.
  4. Loan amount: Some lending institutions award better interest rates to borrowers who request larger loan amounts as a part of their risk evaluation process.

Also Read | Top 5 banks charge THESE interest rates on personal loans in February 2025

In conclusion, a higher interest rate throughout an extended period leads to higher total costs since it raises the total payment amount. Using an understanding of personal loan interest calculation and its determining factors helps borrowers make better decisions throughout their application process.

(Note: Raising a loan comes with its own risks. So, due caution is advised)

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