What is a PCP car finance calculator UK?

A PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) car finance calculator UK lets you estimate your monthly payment and optional balloon (GFV) for a car. You enter the price, deposit, term, APR and balloon percentage. The calculator shows how much you would pay each month and at the end if you keep the car. Results are estimates only.

How does PCP differ from HP in the UK?

With PCP, part of the car's value is deferred to a final balloon payment (guaranteed future value). Monthly payments are usually lower than HP, but at the end you must pay the balloon, refinance it or hand the car back. With HP you pay off the full amount over the term and own the car.

Is this PCP calculator free?

Yes. Our UK PCP car finance calculator is free to use. You enter figures in your browser; we do not store your data. The result is an estimate only and does not replace a quote from a UK lender.

What balloon percentage should I use for PCP?

Lenders set the guaranteed future value (GFV). Typical PCP balloons in the UK are often around 30–45% of the car's value at the start, depending on term and vehicle. Use the calculator's percentage to compare different scenarios.

PCP calculator UK — free car finance calculator

Use this free UK PCP car finance calculator to compare PCP and HP on the same car. Enter the price, deposit, term, APR and an estimated balloon (GFV) to see monthly payments and total cost. Estimates only—not financial advice or a lending offer.

Reviewed by: Oliver Burton, Editor · Last updated: 08 June 2026

HP (hire purchase)

Same payment every month, no balloon at the end.

Monthly payment: £414
Total repayable: £19,883
Total interest: £2,883

PCP (personal contract purchase)

Lower monthly payment with a balloon / GFV at the end.

Monthly payment: £272
Balloon / GFV at end of term: £8,000
Total if you buy (inc. balloon): £21,054
Total interest (inc. balloon): £4,054

Disclaimer

This calculator is for estimation only. It is not financial advice and does not represent a lending decision. Your actual affordability and car finance options in the UK depend on your circumstances and the lender's criteria.

How the UK PCP calculator works

For PCP we take the amount you finance (price minus deposit), subtract the present value of the balloon you will owe at the end, then work out the monthly payment over the term. For HP we spread the full finance amount evenly with no balloon. Use the same price, deposit, term and APR so you can see the trade-off clearly. Deeper comparison: PCP vs HP calculator.

PCP and your budget

Lower monthly payments with PCP can make a more expensive car seem affordable, but remember you will owe the balloon at the end if you want to keep the car. Use our car affordability calculator to see how much you can comfortably pay per month, then use this PCP calculator to see what car that budget can get you on PCP versus HP. Background on market share: why PCP dominates UK car finance.

Frequently asked questions

What is a PCP car finance calculator UK?: A PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) car finance calculator UK lets you estimate your monthly payment and optional balloon (GFV) for a car. You enter the price, deposit, term, APR and balloon percentage. The calculator shows how much you would pay each month and at the end if you keep the car. Results are estimates only.
How does PCP differ from HP in the UK?: With PCP, part of the car's value is deferred to a final balloon payment (guaranteed future value). Monthly payments are usually lower than HP, but at the end you must pay the balloon, refinance it or hand the car back. With HP you pay off the full amount over the term and own the car.
Is this PCP calculator free?: Yes. Our UK PCP car finance calculator is free to use. You enter figures in your browser; we do not store your data. The result is an estimate only and does not replace a quote from a UK lender.
What balloon percentage should I use for PCP?: Lenders set the guaranteed future value (GFV). Typical PCP balloons in the UK are often around 30–45% of the car's value at the start, depending on term and vehicle. Use the calculator's percentage to compare different scenarios.

Sources & notes

Our calculators and guides draw on publicly available UK guidance. We review content periodically but do not guarantee that external sources remain unchanged. See our about page for how we use these tools.

MoneyHelper – How to find the right way to buy a car
General guidance on budgeting and car finance options in the UK.
MoneyHelper – Work out your budget
Household budgeting principles used alongside affordability rules of thumb.
FCA – Consumer credit and your rights
Regulatory context for regulated car finance agreements.
FCA Handbook – CONC 5.2A (creditworthiness and affordability)
How FCA-regulated lenders must assess affordability (illustrative reference).
Black Horse – Car finance (sample lender information)
Example of how a major UK motor-finance provider describes its products.
Santander – Car finance (sample lender information)
Example lender product information; rates and criteria vary by provider.

Compliance notes

Car Affordability UK is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We do not provide regulated financial advice, credit broking or lending.
Calculator outputs are illustrative estimates based on the inputs you provide and published third-party guidance. They are not quotes, offers of credit or lending decisions.
FCA-regulated lenders apply their own affordability assessments, which may differ from the percentage rules of thumb used on this site. Always check formal terms before signing any agreement.
We may earn commission if you follow links to third-party finance comparison services. This does not affect how our calculators work or how content is reviewed.