Business Loan Calculator

Compare up to three different loan options side by side to choose the best fit for your business.

No sign-up needed. Try our tools right in your browser.

Calculate Loans

  1. Loan Amount: Enter the loan amounts for each loan option.
  2. Annual Interest Rate: Input the interest rates for each loan.
  3. Loan Term: Enter the loan terms in years.
  4. Click Compare Loans to see the monthly payment, total payment, and total interest for each option.

Enter up to three loan options and see your monthly payment, total cost, and interest side by side. Results update instantly.

★ Best Option

Loan Option 1

Monthly Payment
Total Repaid
Total Interest
★ Best Option

Loan Option 2

Monthly Payment
Total Repaid
Total Interest
★ Best Option

Loan Option 3

Monthly Payment
Total Repaid
Total Interest

Ready to Apply? Compare Real Lenders

Use your numbers above as a baseline, then compare actual offers from these lenders. Rates vary based on credit score, revenue, and business age.

SBA Loans

Low rates (6.5–8%), long terms up to 25 years. Best for established businesses with strong credit.

Learn More

Business Line of Credit

Flexible draws, only pay interest on what you use. Ideal for working capital and cash flow gaps.

See Options

Northwest Registered Agent

Before you borrow, make sure your LLC is properly formed and in good standing. $39/yr registered agent.

Start Your LLC

How to Use This Business Loan Calculator

Enter your loan amount, annual interest rate, and loan term for each option. The calculator updates instantly; no button needed. Once you have two or three options filled in, the comparison table and interest cost chart will appear below the cards so you can see at a glance which loan costs you the least over time.

The "Best Option" badge highlights the loan with the lowest total interest paid — not necessarily the lowest monthly payment. A longer term means smaller monthly payments but significantly more interest over the life of the loan.

What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Business Loan?

Interest rates for business loans vary widely depending on the type of loan, your credit profile, and how long your business has been operating. Here's a general benchmark:

  • SBA 7(a) loans: Typically 6.5%–8.5% — among the lowest available for small businesses
  • Bank term loans: 5%–12% for businesses with strong credit and 2+ years of history
  • Online lenders (e.g., Bluevine, Fundbox): 10%–30%, faster approval but higher cost
  • Merchant cash advances: Effective rates can exceed 50% — use sparingly and only for short-term gaps

If you're seeing rates above 20% on a term loan, it's worth checking whether you qualify for an SBA loan or building your business credit profile before borrowing.

Monthly Payment vs. Total Cost: What Actually Matters

Most business owners focus on the monthly payment, but the total interest paid over the life of the loan tells the real story. A $100,000 loan at 8% over 5 years costs about $24,322 in interest. Stretch that same loan to 10 years and the monthly payment drops by nearly $500 — but you'll pay over $50,000 in interest.

Use the calculator above to run both scenarios side by side. In most cases, if your cash flow can handle the higher monthly payment, the shorter term wins.

Should You Choose a Fixed or Variable Rate?

This calculator assumes a fixed interest rate, which is the standard for SBA loans and most term loans. Variable rate loans can start lower but carry risk if rates rise. For planning purposes, fixed is safer and easier to model.

Before You Borrow: Getting Your Business in Order

Lenders check your business entity status, registered agent, and standing with the state before approving most loan types. If your LLC isn't properly formed or your registered agent is lapsed, that can delay or kill your application.

Make sure your registered agent is active and your annual report is filed. Northwest Registered Agent handles this for $39/year and keeps your LLC in good standing across all 50 states.

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