Great Future · money

Loan amortisation explained

See how a fixed payment is split between interest and principal over time.

Reviewed 21 September 2026

Direct answer

Amortisation is the scheduled reduction of a loan balance through payments. Interest is calculated on the outstanding balance, so early payments usually contain more interest and later payments more principal.

Open Loan Amortisation Calculator

Worked example

For a R100,000 balance at an entered annual rate and term, the calculator derives the periodic payment and shows every interest, principal and remaining-balance line. Add an extra payment to compare the term and interest change.

Limits to check

A lender quote may include initiation fees, monthly fees, insurance, variable rates, timing conventions and early-settlement terms outside a simple amortisation schedule.

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