Cents and Stories

What is reducing balance?

Reducing balance means interest is calculated on the outstanding loan principal, which decreases after every payment.

Definition

In a reducing balance loan, each EMI reduces principal. Since the principal goes down every month, future interest is charged on a smaller balance.

Example

If your outstanding loan falls from ₹10,00,000 to ₹9,90,000 after a payment, next month’s interest is calculated on ₹9,90,000 (not on the original ₹10,00,000).

Use case

Use reducing balance understanding to compare loan offers and to evaluate how prepayments can lower total interest burden.

Link to calculator

Open Personal Loan EMI Calculator