Google Sheets PMT Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips

The PMT function calculates the periodic payment for a loan based on constant payments and a constant interest rate.
Google Sheets
PMT(rate, number_of_periods, present_value, [future_value], [end_or_beginning])

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On this page
  1. Parameters
  2. What is a PMT Formula?
  3. A Practical Example
  4. PMT Formula
  5. Result of the Formula
  6. Why Use PMT?
  7. Key Takeaways:
  8. Example use case

Parameters

rate:
The interest rate for each period.

number_of_periods:
The total number of payment periods in an investment or loan.

present_value:
The current value of the loan or investment, or the total amount that a series of future payments is worth now.

future_value:
(Optional) The desired value after the last payment has been made. If omitted, it defaults to 0.

end_or_beginning:
(Optional) A value that indicates when payments are due. Use 0 if payments are due at the end of the period and 1 if they are due at the beginning. If omitted, it defaults to 0.

What is a PMT Formula?

The PMT function in Google Sheets is a financial tool used to calculate the periodic payment for a loan based on constant payments and a constant interest rate. This function is particularly useful for individuals or businesses looking to understand their loan obligations, whether for mortgages, car loans, or any other type of financing.

In simpler terms, the PMT function helps you determine how much you need to pay each period to repay a loan over a specified term at a given interest rate.

A Practical Example

Imagine you are considering taking out a loan for a new car:

  • Loan Amount: $20,000
  • Annual Interest Rate: 5%
  • Loan Term: 5 years

You want to find out how much your monthly payment will be.

PMT Formula

To achieve this, you would use the PMT function as follows:

Google Sheets
=PMT(5%/12, 5*12, -20000)

In this formula:

  • 5%/12 is the monthly interest rate (annual rate divided by 12 months).
  • 5*12 is the total number of payments (5 years multiplied by 12 months).
  • -20000 is the loan amount (entered as a negative value because it represents an outgoing payment).

Result of the Formula

When you apply the PMT formula, the output will show the monthly payment amount:

Loan AmountAnnual Interest RateLoan TermMonthly Payment
$20,0005%5 years$377.42

This means you would need to pay approximately $377.42 each month to repay the loan over 5 years.

Why Use PMT?

The PMT function is beneficial because it provides a straightforward way to calculate loan payments without needing to manually compute interest and principal components. It helps in budgeting and financial planning by giving a clear picture of monthly obligations.

Key Takeaways:

  • PMT: A financial function that calculates the periodic payment for a loan based on interest rate and loan term.
  • Easy Calculation: Simplifies the process of determining loan payments, making it accessible for anyone.
  • Budgeting Tool: Essential for financial planning, helping individuals and businesses manage their cash flow effectively.
  • Common Use Cases: Ideal for calculating payments for mortgages, car loans, personal loans, and any other type of installment financing.

The PMT function is an essential tool for anyone dealing with loans, providing clarity and ease in managing financial commitments.

Happy budgeting!

Example use case

You have a table with loan amounts in Column A and interest rates in Column B. Use the PMT formula to calculate monthly payments in Column C by entering the loan amount, interest rate, and loan term. This helps employees understand their financial commitments easily.

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