
Many of us grow up listening to this old Indian saying: “Stretch your legs only as far as your blanket allows.” The idea is simple: you must live within your means.
While this wisdom applies to various facets of life, it’s particularly instrumental in personal finance management. More so, when it comes to debt and liabilities. After all, you should only borrow what you can repay.
This is why you should know your EMI beforehand, whether you’re planning a ₹3 lakh personal loan or a ₹5 lakh loan. Let’s explore how to calculate EMI for personal loans and why it matters for your financial well-being.

Calculating your EMI gives a snapshot of your monthly outflow. Knowing how much you’ll pay every month helps plan your budget better.
Here's the formula for EMI calculation -
EMI = [P * R * (1 + R)^{N}] / [(1 + R)^{N} - 1]
Where -
Let’s understand this better with an example. Suppose you’ve taken a personal loan of ₹4 lakh at an annual interest of 12% for 3 years. Here,
P = 4,00,000
R = 12 / (12 × 100) = 1% or 0.01
N = 12 * 3 = 36
Enter these values into the formula -
EMI = [P * R * (1 + R)^{N}] / [(1 + R)^{N}1]
EMI = [4,00,000 * 0.01 * (1.01)^{36}] / [(1.01)^{36} - 1]
EMI = ₹13,300 (approximately)
So, your monthly EMI will be around ₹13,300. But calculating your EMIs manually leaves room for errors. That's why reputed NBFCs like Hero FinCorp offer an online EMI Calculator to get an exact figure instantly.
There are two major methods for computing EMIs in India. Understanding both helps you make an informed borrowing decision.
| Method | Flat-Rate Method | Reducing-Balance Method |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Interest is calculated on the entire loan amount for the full tenure, regardless of how much principal you’ve already paid. | Interest is charged only on the remaining principal balance. As you repay, both interest and EMI components adjust. |
| Interest Behaviour | Fixed. Interest remains constant throughout the loan term. | Declines over time as the principal reduces. |
| Ease of Calculation | Simple to compute. Common in short-term loans. | Slightly complex, but far more accurate. |
| Total Interest Paid | Higher overall cost, as interest doesn’t reduce with repayments. | Lower overall cost since interest falls each month. |
Most lenders, including Hero FinCorp, use the reducing-balance method. It’s fairer and more cost-effective for borrowers.
Several factors determine your EMI amount. Understanding these helps you plan smarter, whether for a ₹3 lakh personal loan or a ₹5 lakh personal loan. These include -
Knowing your EMI in advance is a smart move. Here’s why -
In short, the benefits of EMI calculation in advance promote long-term financial stability and help you manage your finances stress-free.
The Hero FinCorp EMI Calculator simplifies your loan planning journey. You get instant, accurate, and transparent results to make informed borrowing decisions.
With competitive interest rates, digital loan processing, quick approvals, and flexible repayment options, Hero FinCorp makes personal finance effortless. Apply for a personal loan today to get funds instantly. But before that, try our EMI calculator and take the first step towards smarter loan management.
Personal loan tenure typically ranges from 12 to 36 months.
Shorter tenures have higher EMIs but lower total interest. On the other hand, longer tenures bring down EMIs but increase interest costs.
Yes. Any increase or decrease in the interest rate directly impacts your EMI amount.
Yes. Making prepayments reduces your outstanding balance. This reduces your EMIs and tenure.