Car Lease Calculator
See your exact monthly payment, what you're actually paying for, and whether you're getting a fair deal — all explained in plain English.
The manufacturer's sticker price — the baseline for all lease math.
The most important number to negotiate. Every $1,000 off saves ~$28/mo.
Set by the lender — not negotiable. Higher % = lower payment.
Dealers call it the "money factor" — a tiny decimal like 0.00125. We convert it to a familiar APR automatically. Always ask the dealer for this number before signing.
Choose carefully — overage costs $0.15–$0.30/mile at turn-in.
Most states tax monthly payments, not the full vehicle price.
Your Lease Balance (Net Cap Cost)
$43,795$43,000 selling price + $795 acq fee
This is what your monthly payment is calculated from.
Monthly Payment
$651.59
36 months · 12,000 mi/yr
Good Deal
4.4% off MSRPSolid discount from MSRP.
Payment Breakdown
value used each month
3.00% APR
Due at Signing
$1,152Lease Summary
1% Rule ✗ Fail
Try negotiating the cap cost down or choosing a model with a higher residual.
How to lower your lease payment
Negotiate the selling price
Every $1,000 off the cap cost saves ~$28/mo on a 36-month lease. This is the #1 lever — dealers expect negotiation on purchase price but many lessees don't bother.
Use MSDs (Multiple Security Deposits)
Each MSD reduces the money factor by 0.00007. 7 MSDs can cut your finance charge nearly in half — and you get all the money back at lease end. Best free rate reduction available.
Pick a model with a high residual
Residual is set by the lender — you can't negotiate it. But you can choose a car that holds value well. Same car, same price, different brand can have a 10%+ residual difference.
Target a low money factor month
Automakers rotate incentivized money factors monthly. The same car can lease for $80/mo less in a good month vs a bad one. Check forums like LeasHackr for current rates.
Increase your mileage tier wisely
If you drive close to your limit, upgrading to the next tier upfront is cheaper per mile than paying overage fees at turn-in.
Avoid cap cost reductions (down payments)
Putting money down reduces your payment but not your total cost. Worse — if the car is totaled, you lose it. Keep your cash or use it for MSDs instead.
Disclaimer: The results provided by this calculator are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Actual loan terms, interest rates, monthly payments, and total costs will vary based on your credit profile, lender, and other factors. Property tax rates shown are state averages and may differ from your local rate. FHA mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) are based on current HUD guidelines and are subject to change. Always consult a licensed mortgage professional or financial advisor before making any borrowing decisions. HitCalc is not a lender and does not offer mortgage products.
Frequently asked questions
What is money factor?
The lease's interest rate in disguise. Multiply by 2,400 to get APR. Example: 0.00125 × 2,400 = 3.0% APR. Always ask the dealer for it before signing.
What is residual value?
What the bank says the car is worth at lease end (as % of MSRP). You only pay for the depreciation — the rest. Higher residual = lower payment. Not negotiable.
Should I put money down on a lease?
Experts say no. If the car is totaled, you lose it. Insurance pays the residual — not you. Keep your cash and negotiate a lower selling price instead.
What is the 1% rule?
Monthly payment ≤ 1% of MSRP = good deal. Example: $45,000 car → target ≤ $450/mo. A rough benchmark — use it as a sanity check.
What is the cap cost?
The selling price in lease language. The single most important number to negotiate. Every $1,000 off saves ~$28/mo on a 36-month lease.
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