Asked by: Jenny Osinaga
Asked in category: business and finance, interest rates
Last Updated: 19th May 2024

How does loan interest work using the reducing balance method?

Monthly reducing balance methods allow you to make EMI payments as needed. The principal portion of the outstanding is reduced and interest is calculated based on that. This means that interest is calculated each month on a lower outstanding.



How is the reducing balance loan interest calculated?

The mathematical formula for calculating EMIs is: EMI = [P x R x (1+R)^N]/[(1+R)^N-1], where P stands for the loan amount or principal, R is the interest rate per month [if the interest rate per annum is 11%, then the rate of interest will be 11/(12 x 100)], and N is the number of monthly instalments.

How does a reducing balance loan work? The Reducing Balance Method (RBM). This method calculates interest payments using the principal balance. Instead of charging interest based upon the original loan amount, it charges interest based on the outstanding principal balance. This means that the effective interest rate for monthly payments will differ if you make them each month.

This is how EMIs are calculated using the reducing balance method.

Either the flat-rate or reducing-balance methods can be used to calculate the EMI. Calculating the EMI flat rate formula involves adding the principal loan amount to the interest and dividing it by the number months multiplied by the number.

What is a declining rate of interest?

Diminish Balance Incentive Method Interest is calculated each month on the remaining loan balance, which is reduced by the principal payment every month. The principal repayment reduces the outstanding loan amount with each EMI payment.