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Business Loan Calculator UK
(with Amortisation Schedule)

Calculate your business loan repayments instantly. Whether you're seeking a loan for business growth, startup business loans, or small business loans, our free calculator shows monthly payments, total interest, and helps you plan your business finance.

43%

of UK SMEs use external finance to fuel growth (British Business Bank, 2025)

6–15%

typical APR range for UK business loans, depending on credit profile and security

100,000+

loans issued through the UK government's Start Up Loans scheme since 2012

Calculate Business Loan

£100,000
£10,000 £2,000,000
5 years
1 year 25 years
8.0%
2% 30%

Enter Your Details to See Results

Click "Calculate Repayments" to unlock your personalised loan breakdown

Monthly Repayment

£???

Per month

Total Interest

£???

Over loan term

Total Repayable

£???

Principal + Interest

Effective Rate

?%

Including fees

Loan Assessment

Enter your loan details and click calculate to see your personalised assessment.

Amortization Schedule

Year Payment Principal Interest Balance
Calculate to see schedule

Need Help With Business Loans UK?

Whether you're looking for startup business loans, small business loans, or help with existing debt, our turnaround specialists can find the right solution.

Types of Business Loans UK

Understanding your options helps you find the right loan for business needs. From government business loans to small loans for business, here's what's available.

Traditional Business Loans

Bank business loans UK offer lower interest rates for established businesses with good credit history. Typically require 2+ years trading and strong financials.

  • • Interest rates: 5-10% APR
  • • Amounts: £25,000 - £10m+
  • • Terms: 1-25 years

Startup Business Loans

Loans for starting up a business are available through government schemes and alternative lenders. Ideal for new ventures without trading history.

  • • Start Up Loans: up to £25,000
  • • Fixed rate: 6% APR
  • • Free mentoring included

Government Business Loans

Government small business loan schemes offer favourable terms with partial guarantees. Growth Guarantee Scheme and Start Up Loans are key options.

  • • Gov-backed guarantees
  • • Competitive rates
  • • £25,001 - £2m available

Small Business Loans

Loan for small business needs from alternative lenders. Faster approval than banks, suited for businesses needing quick access to small loans for business.

  • • Amounts: £1,000 - £500,000
  • • Approval: 24-48 hours
  • • Less paperwork required

Asset-Based Lending

Borrow against equipment, property, stock, or invoices. Good option when traditional business loans aren't available.

  • • Secured against assets
  • • Invoice finance available
  • • Flexible facilities

Turnaround Finance

Specialist funding for businesses in difficulty. When traditional lenders say no, turnaround specialists can help restructure and find finance.

  • • For distressed businesses
  • • Debt restructuring
  • • Hands-on support

Business Bounce Back Loans

Business bounce back loans were a COVID-19 emergency scheme providing loans from £2,000 to £50,000 at 2.5% interest. The scheme closed to new applications in March 2021.

If you have an existing Bounce Back Loan and are struggling with repayments, Pay As You Grow (PAYG) options allow you to extend the term to 10 years, make interest-only payments, or take payment holidays.

Learn about Bounce Back Loan options

Business Interruption Loans

Business interruption loans (CBILS) provided larger emergency funding up to £5m during COVID-19. This scheme has also closed, but the Growth Guarantee Scheme offers similar government-backed support.

For businesses still struggling with pandemic-era debt or facing new challenges, restructuring options are available. Don't let unaffordable debt drag down your business.

Get help with existing loans

How to Calculate Business Loan Costs

Use our business loan calculator to understand the true cost of borrowing. Here's what you need to know when using a loan calculator business tool.

Key Terms Explained

  • APR: Annual Percentage Rate - the yearly interest cost including fees. Use this to compare business loans UK fairly.
  • Principal: The original loan for business amount before interest.
  • Amortization: How payments split between principal and interest over time.
  • Arrangement Fee: One-time setup cost, typically 1-3% of the loan value.

Tips for Better Loan Terms

  • Improve your credit score before applying for business loans
  • Offer security to access lower rates on loan for small business
  • Compare multiple lenders - don't just approach your bank
  • Consider government business loan schemes for better terms
  • Have comprehensive financials ready to speed approval

Struggling to Get Approved for Business Loans?

If you've been declined for traditional business loans UK, or existing debt is becoming unmanageable, don't take on expensive finance that could make things worse. We specialise in helping businesses find sustainable solutions and alternative funding.

Take our free business assessment

What is an Amortisation Schedule?

Understanding how each repayment is split between principal and interest is one of the most valuable tools in business finance planning.

What is amortisation?

Amortisation is the process of paying off a loan through regular, fixed payments over time. Each payment covers both interest charges and a portion of the outstanding principal. In the early months of a loan, more of each payment goes towards interest. As the balance reduces, a larger share goes towards the principal.

This is why the total interest you pay is significantly affected by the loan term — extending repayments over a longer period reduces monthly cost but increases total interest paid.

What does an amortisation schedule show?

An amortisation schedule is a full table of every repayment across the life of a loan, showing for each period: the payment amount, the interest component, the principal component, and the remaining balance.

Our business loan calculator generates a complete amortisation schedule — both as a yearly summary and a month-by-month breakdown. This is especially useful for cash flow forecasting and understanding the true cost of borrowing at different points in the loan term.

Why the amortisation schedule matters for business decisions

When comparing two loan offers with different rates and terms, the monthly repayment figure alone can be misleading. The amortisation schedule reveals the total interest you will pay over the full term — a 7-year loan at 8% APR may have lower monthly payments than a 5-year loan at the same rate, but you will pay significantly more interest in total. Use the schedule in our calculator to model both scenarios before committing.

Business Loan Calculator for Bad Credit UK

Poor credit doesn't automatically disqualify a business from borrowing — but it does change the rates and options available. Use our calculator to model affordability before you apply.

12–25%

Typical APR for bad credit

Businesses with adverse credit or limited trading history typically face APRs between 12% and 25%, compared to 6–10% for established businesses with strong credit profiles. Enter these figures in the calculator to compare affordability.

Options available

Even with a poor credit score, UK businesses can often access:

  • • Secured loans backed by assets or property
  • • Invoice finance (tied to your receivables)
  • • Merchant cash advances
  • • Asset finance and equipment leasing
  • • Peer-to-peer lending platforms

How to improve your position

Before applying, check your business credit report, clear outstanding CCJs if possible, build 6+ months of clean bank statements, and reduce existing credit utilisation. A specialist broker can identify lenders who accommodate adverse credit histories.

If affordability is a concern regardless of your credit score, it's worth speaking with an independent business finance specialist before taking on additional debt.

Discuss your finance options

Startup Business Loan Calculator

Planning to launch a business? Use our calculator with the parameters below to estimate your startup loan repayments before you apply.

Government Start Up Loans

The UK government's Start Up Loans scheme is the most accessible option for new businesses with no trading history. Key parameters to enter in the calculator:

  • Loan amount: up to £25,000 per director (max £100,000 per business)
  • Interest rate: fixed 6% APR
  • Loan term: 1 to 5 years
  • No arrangement fees, no early repayment charges

Example: A £20,000 Start Up Loan at 6% APR over 3 years = approximately £608/month with total interest of £1,888.

Alternative startup funding

If government startup loans aren't suitable, alternative startup finance includes:

  • Director's loan: lending your own savings to the business
  • Crowdfunding: reward or equity-based platforms
  • Angel investors: equity for growth capital
  • Business grants: Innovate UK, UKRI, and regional funds
  • Asset finance: lease equipment rather than buy outright

Use the calculator to compare the monthly cost of borrowing against projected startup revenue before committing to any option.

Secured vs. Unsecured Business Loan Calculator

The same loan amount and term can cost very differently depending on whether you offer security. Use the calculator to compare both scenarios side-by-side.

Secured business loans

A secured loan requires you to offer an asset — typically commercial property, equipment, or a personal guarantee — as collateral. Because the lender's risk is reduced, you benefit from:

  • • Lower interest rates: typically 5–10% APR
  • • Higher borrowing limits (often £100k–£2m+)
  • • Longer loan terms (up to 25 years for property-backed)

Risk: the asset can be repossessed if you default.

Unsecured business loans

Unsecured loans require no collateral but lenders take on more risk, which is reflected in the pricing:

  • • Higher interest rates: typically 8–20% APR
  • • Lower maximum borrowing (usually up to £250k)
  • • Shorter loan terms (1–5 years typical)

Personal guarantees are often still required even for "unsecured" facilities.

Try entering 7% APR (secured) vs. 12% APR (unsecured) for the same loan amount in the calculator above — the difference in total interest paid can be significant on larger amounts.

Commercial Loan Repayment Calculator

Our calculator works equally well for commercial finance scenarios, including property-backed lending and larger facilities up to £2 million.

What is a commercial loan?

A commercial loan is finance provided to a business rather than an individual, typically for larger amounts, longer terms, and often secured against commercial property or business assets. Unlike a personal loan, commercial lending decisions are based primarily on business performance, asset quality, and trading history rather than personal credit scores.

Using this calculator for commercial loans

This calculator handles commercial loan scenarios from £10,000 to £2 million. For property-backed commercial finance, typical parameters are:

  • • Term: 5–25 years (commercial mortgage)
  • • Rate: 5–9% APR for property-backed facilities
  • • Arrangement fee: 1–2% of loan amount (enter in Advanced Options)

For rates above £500k or unusual structures, speak to a specialist commercial broker.

Business Loan Estimator — How Much Can You Borrow?

Our free business loan estimator helps UK companies understand their borrowing capacity. Use the calculator above to model different scenarios and find the right loan structure for your business.

Small Business Loan Calculator

For small business loans (typically £1,000–£500,000), our calculator shows you exact monthly repayments and total costs. Small business loans usually carry interest rates of 3–15% APR depending on trading history, security available, and credit profile.

Tip: Government-backed schemes like Start Up Loans offer rates from 6% APR for eligible businesses.

Commercial Loan Calculator

For larger commercial business loans (£500,000+), interest rates are typically lower (2–8% APR) but lenders require stronger security — usually property, significant trade debtors, or plant and machinery. Use our calculator to compare different term lengths and see how extending the term reduces monthly payments but increases total interest.

When Loans Aren't the Answer

If your business is already struggling with debt, taking on more loans can accelerate decline rather than solve the problem. Warning signs include: needing a loan to pay existing creditors, monthly repayments exceeding 30% of free cash flow, or relying on secondary lenders with rates above 1% per month.

Explore turnaround finance alternatives →

Can't Get a Business Loan?

If traditional lenders have declined your application, K2 Business Partners can help. We provide turnaround investment for viable UK businesses with £3m–£20m turnover — equity capital combined with hands-on operational support, not debt that compounds your problems.

How to Use This Business Loan Calculator

Our free business loan calculator gives you an instant picture of what any loan will cost. Here's how to get the most accurate result in three steps.

1

Enter the loan amount

Type in how much you need to borrow. UK business loans typically range from £10,000 to £500,000. If you're unsure, use a round figure — you can adjust it instantly to see how the repayments change.

2

Set the term and interest rate

Choose a loan term (1–10 years is typical for UK business loans) and enter an interest rate. If you don't have a quote yet, try 8–12% APR as a realistic benchmark for most SME lenders. Government-backed loans are often 6–9% APR.

3

Check affordability

The calculator shows your monthly repayment and total interest cost. As a rough guide, most lenders want monthly loan repayments to be no more than 15–20% of your average monthly revenue. Use the advanced options to include an arrangement fee for a true cost of borrowing.

Common Questions About Business Loan Repayments

How much can I borrow?

Most UK lenders base the maximum loan amount on your annual turnover and profit. As a starting point, expect to be offered 10–25% of annual turnover as an unsecured loan. Secured business loans (backed by assets or property) can go significantly higher. Start Up Loans from the government are capped at £25,000 per director.

What interest rate should I use?

If you already have a lender quote, use the APR figure — it includes fees and gives a true comparison. If you're estimating: established businesses with good credit typically see 6–10% APR; newer businesses or those with adverse credit should model 12–20% APR. The Growth Guarantee Scheme offers competitive rates up to 14.99% APR. Use the calculator's advanced options to add an arrangement fee, which can add 1–3% to the real cost.

Can my business afford this loan?

A simple affordability test: take your average monthly net profit (after all costs, before loan repayments) and divide it by the monthly repayment shown in the calculator. If the result is less than 2, the loan repayment will consume more than half your profit — which most lenders and advisors consider high risk. If your business is already under financial pressure, speak to a turnaround specialist before taking on new debt; additional borrowing can accelerate rather than solve a cash crisis.

What is a business loan repayment calculator?

A business loan repayment calculator uses the standard amortisation formula to break down each monthly payment into principal and interest. This lets you see not just the monthly cost, but how much of each payment goes to reducing the debt versus paying interest. It's particularly useful when comparing loan offers from different lenders with different rates or terms.

Business Loans UK: Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about business loans, startup business loans, government business loans, and how to use our business loan calculator.

How do I calculate business loan repayments?

To calculate business loan repayments, you need three key figures: the loan amount (principal), the interest rate (APR), and the loan term. Our free business loan calculator uses the standard amortization formula to show your monthly repayments, total interest payable, and overall cost. Simply enter your figures above to get instant results for any loan for business scenario.

What types of business loans are available in the UK?

UK businesses can access several types of business loans UK: Traditional bank loans, startup business loans for new ventures, small business loans from alternative lenders, government business loan schemes including the Growth Guarantee Scheme, asset-based lending, invoice finance, and merchant cash advances. Each type has different eligibility criteria, interest rates, and terms.

Can I get a startup business loan with no trading history?

Yes, startup business loans are available for new businesses. Loans for starting up a business include the government-backed Start Up Loans scheme (up to £25,000 at 6% APR), director's loans, crowdfunding, angel investors, and specialist lenders for business loans startup ventures. You'll typically need a solid business plan and may require personal guarantees.

What happened to Business Bounce Back Loans?

Business bounce back loans were a COVID-19 emergency scheme that closed in March 2021. If you have an existing Bounce Back Loan, Pay As You Grow (PAYG) options let you extend the term to 10 years, make interest-only payments for 6 months, or take payment holidays. For new borrowing, the Growth Guarantee Scheme and other government business loan options are available.

What interest rates can I expect on business loans UK?

Business loans UK interest rates typically range from 5% to 15% APR for established businesses with good credit. Startup business loans may have higher rates (8-20% APR). Government small business loan schemes like the Growth Guarantee Scheme offer competitive rates. Your rate depends on credit history, time in business, security offered, and loan amount.

How much can I borrow with a small business loan?

Small business loans in the UK typically range from £1,000 to £500,000, depending on the lender. The government Start Up Loans scheme offers up to £25,000. Small loans for business from alternative lenders can be approved quickly. Traditional banks may lend higher amounts with suitable security. Use our loan calculator business tool to see what you can afford.

Are there government business loans available?

Yes, several government business loan schemes exist. The Start Up Loans scheme offers up to £25,000 for new businesses at 6% APR. The Growth Guarantee Scheme provides gov loan for small business from £25,001 to £2 million with government guarantees. Regional growth funds and devolved nation schemes also offer government loan small business options with favourable terms.

What's the difference between secured and unsecured business loans?

Secured business loans require collateral (property, equipment, or assets) and typically offer lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits. Unsecured loan for business options don't require assets as security but have higher rates and lower limits. Many small loans for business are unsecured, while larger amounts usually require security.

How long does it take to get a business loan approved?

Business loan approval times vary. Online lenders may approve small business loans within 24-48 hours. Traditional bank business loans UK typically take 2-6 weeks. Government loan for small business schemes like Start Up Loans take 2-4 weeks. Complex applications or larger loans may take longer. Having documents ready speeds up the process.

What documents do I need to apply for a business loan?

Common documents for business loans UK include: business bank statements (6-12 months), filed accounts or management accounts, business plan (especially for startup business loans), cash flow forecasts, proof of identity, proof of address, details of existing debts, and information about assets. Business loans startup applications may also require personal credit checks.

Can I get a loan for business if I have bad credit?

Yes, it's possible to get a loan for business with poor credit, though options are more limited and rates higher. Specialist lenders offer bad credit business loans, often secured against assets. Alternative options include invoice finance, merchant cash advances, or peer-to-peer lending. Improving your credit score before applying will give you better small business loan options.

What is a business interruption loan?

Business interruption loans (CBILS) provided emergency funding up to £5m during COVID-19. This scheme closed in March 2021. For current funding, options include the Growth Guarantee Scheme, commercial loans, or speaking with turnaround specialists who can help restructure existing debt and find appropriate business loans UK alternatives.

How accurate is a business loan calculator?

Our business loan calculators provide accurate estimates based on standard amortization formulas. However, actual loan offers may differ due to arrangement fees, early repayment charges, variable rates, and lender-specific terms. Use our loan calculator business tool to get indicative figures, then request formal quotes from lenders for exact costs when you calculate business loan requirements.

Should I choose a fixed or variable rate business loan?

Fixed rate business loans offer predictable monthly payments, making budgeting easier. Variable rate loan for business may start lower but can increase with base rate changes. For stability, especially in uncertain economic times, fixed rates are often preferred for business loans UK. Variable rates suit businesses who can absorb potential increases or plan to repay early.

What happens if I can't repay my business loan?

If you're struggling to repay a business loan, contact your lender immediately to discuss options like payment holidays, extended terms, or reduced payments. For serious difficulties, seek professional advice. Turnaround specialists like K2 Business Partners can help negotiate with creditors on business loans UK and find sustainable solutions before problems escalate.

Can I pay off a business loan early?

Most business loans allow early repayment, but many include early repayment charges (ERCs) typically 1-5% of the outstanding balance or 1-3 months' interest. Check your loan for business agreement for specific terms. Early repayment can significantly reduce total interest - use our business loan calculator to see potential savings versus any charges.

What's the minimum turnover required for a business loan UK?

Minimum turnover for business loans UK varies by lender. Some alternative lenders accept businesses with £50,000+ annual turnover, while traditional banks often require £100,000+. Startup business loans don't require existing turnover but need a viable business plan. K2 Business Partners typically work with businesses having turnover from £3m-£20m on turnaround finance.

Is it better to get a business loan or use personal funds?

Business loans offer tax-deductible interest, preserve personal savings, and build business credit. However, they add debt obligations. Personal funds avoid interest costs but mix personal and business finances. Consider your risk tolerance, tax position, and growth plans. Many successful businesses use a combination of small business loans and equity investment.

What alternatives exist to traditional business loans?

Alternatives to business loans include: invoice finance, asset finance, merchant cash advances, crowdfunding, angel investment, venture capital, trade credit, and government grants. Each suits different situations. If you're struggling to access traditional business loans UK, turnaround specialists can help identify the best option for your circumstances.

What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme and can I use this calculator for it?

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is the UK government's current business lending programme, launched in July 2024 to replace the Recovery Loan Scheme. It helps businesses access finance for growth and investment, with loans ranging from £25,001 to £2 million and the government guaranteeing 70% of the facility to reduce lender risk. You can use our business loan calculator to estimate repayments on a Growth Guarantee Scheme facility — simply enter the loan amount, the interest rate offered by your lender, and the agreed term. Note that interest rates and terms vary by accredited lender and are not set by the government.

What arrangement fees should I expect on a business loan?

Business loan arrangement fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the loan amount. Some lenders charge flat fees (e.g. £500–£2,000) instead. Our calculator includes an arrangement fee field so you can see the true total cost of borrowing. Always factor arrangement fees into your comparison — a loan with a lower interest rate but a 3% arrangement fee may cost more overall than one with a slightly higher rate and no fee, particularly for shorter-term borrowing.

What is the Growth Guarantee Scheme and can I use this calculator for it?

The Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) is the UK government's current business lending programme, launched in July 2024 to replace the Recovery Loan Scheme. It helps established UK businesses access finance for growth and investment, with loans ranging from £25,001 to £2 million and the government guaranteeing 70% of the facility to accredited lenders. You can use our business loan calculator to estimate GGS repayments — simply enter the loan amount, the APR quoted by your accredited lender, and the agreed term. Interest rates are set by individual lenders and are not capped by the government under GGS.

How does amortisation work on a business loan?

Amortisation is the process by which your loan balance reduces over time through regular repayments. Each monthly payment is split into two parts: the interest charge on the outstanding balance, and a principal repayment. In the early months of a business loan, most of each payment covers interest because the balance is high. Over time, as the balance falls, less interest accrues and more of each payment reduces the principal. This is why overpayments early in a loan term save proportionally more interest. Our business loan calculator displays a full amortisation schedule showing how your balance reduces month by month.

What APR should I enter if I have bad credit?

If your business has adverse credit, CCJs, or limited trading history, model a higher interest rate for a realistic estimate. As a guide: businesses with good credit typically qualify for 6–10% APR; minor adverse history warrants 12–15% APR; significant credit issues or less than 12 months' trading should use 18–25% APR as a conservative estimate. The actual rate depends on the lender, loan amount, and security available. If repayments are unaffordable at these rates, speak to a specialist about alternative structures such as invoice finance or asset-based lending.

Need Expert Help With Business Finance?

Our turnaround specialists have 30+ years experience helping UK businesses with business loans, debt restructuring, and finding the right funding solutions. Whether you need startup business loans, small business loans, or help with existing finance, we're here to help.