Use this independent Swiss leasing calculator to work out your monthly lease payment, the residual value and the cost of terminating the lease early.
You can calculate car leasing costs here in three ways: the monthly leasing instalment, early termination and your leasing budget. The calculator isn’t affiliated with any leasing company or car dealer. That’s why it also shows you what a quote often leaves out in the small print: the interest costs in Swiss francs, the leasing factor and how much it will cost if you end the lease early.
The most important facts at a glance
- Leasing instalment: It depends primarily on the purchase price, the deposit, the residual value, the term and the interest rate. Payments are made monthly in advance.
- Residual value: As a rule of thumb, after 1 year it is around 75 % and after 3 years around 50 % of the list price. A high residual value reduces the instalment, but not the overall cost.
- Interest expenses: With a purchase price of CHF 45,000, a term of 48 months and a 3.9 % interest rate, you’ll pay around CHF 4,660 in interest.
- Early exit: Permitted with 30 days’ notice at the end of a 3-month period. However, the instalments will be recalculated retrospectively, which can quickly run to several thousand francs.
- Not included in the instalment: You’ll pay extra for comprehensive insurance, servicing, tyres, road tax and any additional mileage.
Leasing calculator Explanation of the input fields
First, choose what you want to calculate: Leasing instalment, Get off early or Budget. Then fill in these fields:
- Purchase price (list price): At what price is the vehicle being purchased? Use the price including options and minus any discount, as stated in the quotation.
- Deposit: The first large lease instalment or special payment. It reduces the amount being financed and, consequently, the instalments and interest costs.
- Duration: The lease term ranges from 12 to 72 months. Terms of 36 or 48 months are typical.
- Lease payment (effective): You’ll find the annual percentage rate (APR) in every leasing quote. If you don’t have one yet, use the interest rate from a manufacturer’s promotion or a bank’s interest rate as a guide.
- Residual value at the end: The calculator suggests a value based on a rule of thumb. If your quote includes a residual value, move the slider to that value.
- Get off at: Only in «Early termination» mode. Select the month in which you wish to return or replace the car.
- Preferred rate: Only in «Budget» mode. The calculator shows you the maximum price your car can cost at this instalment rate.
An independent leasing calculator: The leasing calculators provided by leasing companies such as Cembra, Alphera or Bank-now, by importers such as AMAG, by brands such as BMW, or by dealers such as Auto Steiner all use their own terms and residual values in their calculations. Whether it’s a quote from a dealer or an offer from comparison websites such as Comparis and Bonus.ch: with our calculator, you can independently review any quote and see straight away whether the monthly payments, residual value and interest rate are right for you.
Calculate leasing: Results explained
The most important result is always shown at the top, followed by the chart and the table «Your lease in figures».
- Leasing instalment: The amount you pay in advance each month.
- Total instalments: All monthly instalments combined, with no deposit.
- Total interest expense: What the financing will cost you. These are your actual leasing costs.
- Residual value: At this price, you can buy the car at the end of the contract if it includes a purchase option.
- Leasing factor: The instalment as a proportion of the purchase price. This allows you to compare offers for cars at different price points.
- In total, if you end up buying the car: Deposit plus all the instalments plus the residual value. That’s how much you’ll have paid for the car in the end.
- Portability: What is the minimum net salary required for the instalment to fit into your budget, according to our rule of thumb?.
The chart «Where your money goes» shows how much you pay over the term of the loan and how much of that is interest. The dotted line represents the estimated value of the car. If you hover your mouse or finger over the chart, you’ll see the figures for each month.
Calculating a lease payment: formula and example
If you want to work out the lease payment, you’ll need a formula from financial mathematics. The method for calculating lease payments is the same for all leasing companies in Switzerland. However, a simple rule of thumb is sufficient for a quick estimate. It is usually only a few francs off the exact figure.
A simple formula for the lease payment
Lease payment ≈ (purchase price − deposit − residual value) ÷ term + (purchase price − deposit + residual value) ÷ 2 × interest rate ÷ 12
The first part is the depreciation per month – in other words, what you «use up» from the car. The second part is the interest on the capital that is, on average, tied up in the car.
Example: Purchase price CHF 45,000, deposit CHF 5,000, term 48 months, interest rate 3.9 %, residual value CHF 19,800.
- Monthly depreciation: (45,000 − 5,000 − 19,800) ÷ 48 = CHF 420.85
- Monthly interest: (45,000 − 5,000 + 19,800) ÷ 2 × 3.9 % ÷ 12 = CHF 97.18
- Lease payment: 420.85 + 97.18 = around CHF 518 per month
The leasing calculator above uses the exact formula and arrives at a figure of CHF 517.86. The interest costs over the entire term amount to around CHF 4,657.
Exact formula
Leasing instalments are paid monthly in advance. Mathematically, the instalment is therefore an annuity paid in advance. Where i = annual interest rate ÷ 12, n = term in months and v = 1 ÷ (1 + i), the following applies:
Lease payment = (purchase price − deposit − residual value × vⁿ) × i ÷ ((1 − vⁿ) × (1 + i))
Calculating a lease in Excel
In Excel, you calculate the lease payment using the RMZ function (known as PMT in the English version). For this example, the formula is =RMZ(3.9%/12; 48; -(45000-5000); 19800; 1). The result is CHF 517.86. The «1» at the end stands for ‘payment in advance’. If you leave it out, the instalment will be slightly too high.
Calculate the lease factor
The lease factor shows what percentage of the purchase price you pay each month:
Lease factor = Lease payment ÷ Purchase price × 100
In the example, that is 517.86 ÷ 45,000 × 100 = 1.15. As a rough guide, a lease factor of less than 1 is considered favourable. However, you should only compare factors where the lease term and initial deposit are the same; otherwise, the comparison will be misleading.
How the interest rate affects the instalment
Same car, same term, just a different interest rate. Interest rates for car leasing in Switzerland range from 0 % for special offers to around 9 %:
| Interest | Rate | Interest expenses |
|---|---|---|
| 0.9 % | CHF 443 | CHF 1,070 |
| 1.9 % | CHF 468 | CHF 2,263 |
| 3.9 % | CHF 518 | CHF 4,657 |
| 5.9 % | CHF 568 | CHF 7,065 |
| 8.99 % | CHF 646 | CHF 10,812 |
Example: Purchase price CHF 45,000, deposit CHF 5,000, 48 months, residual value CHF 19,800.
Calculate the residual value of a lease
The residual value is the value the car is expected to retain at the end of the lease term, as specified in the contract. The leasing company calculates this using tables based on historical data: make, model, lease term and kilometres per year. To work out your own estimate, this rule of thumb will suffice:
| Duration | Residual value | in CHF |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months. | 75 % | CHF 33,750 |
| 24 metres. | 60 % | CHF 27'000 |
| 36 metres. | 50 % | CHF 22,500 |
| 48 metres. | 44 % | CHF 19,800 |
| 60 metres. | 41 % | CHF 18,000 |
Amounts in Swiss francs for a purchase price of CHF 45,000. The leasing calculator applies these figures automatically. If you drive a lot, the actual residual value will be lower.
High residual value, low instalments: the trap
A high residual value reduces the monthly instalment because you’re paying off less depreciation. This doesn’t make the lease any cheaper. You’ll actually pay more interest because more capital is tied up in the car for longer. Also, check the contract to see who bears the residual value risk. With a pure residual value lease, you’ll end up paying the difference if the car is worth less than the residual value. The contract will state whether this applies to you.
Carry forward residual value: Buy the car at the end
If your contract includes a purchase option, you can take ownership of the car at the end of the term at its residual value. This is worth doing if the market value is higher than the residual value. To check this, compare second-hand prices for the same model before the contract ends. In the calculator, under «Total if you buy the car at the end», you can see how much the car will have cost you in total.
Early repayment or termination of a lease
Is your lease subject to the Consumer Credit Act (KKG), which is the norm for private individuals, you may terminate the contract at any time. The notice period is 30 days to the end of a three-month leasing period. For example: if your contract starts in July, you can terminate it at the end of October at the earliest, and you must give notice by the end of September.
However, terminating the lease isn’t cheap. The leasing company calculates the cost retrospectively as if you’d leased for the shorter term from the outset. A shorter lease term means a higher residual value, so the monthly payments would have been higher. You’ll have to pay the difference for each month so far. The amount is set out in the table in your lease agreement. You can use the lease calculator above to estimate the costs in advance, whether you want to terminate the lease or pay it off early.
How much does early withdrawal cost?
For our example with a term of 48 months and a monthly instalment of CHF 518, the leasing calculator performs the following calculation in «Early termination» mode:
| Exit | back payment | per month |
|---|---|---|
| 6 months. | CHF 2,153 | CHF 1,710 |
| 12 months. | CHF 4,177 | CHF 1,283 |
| 24 metres. | CHF 5,142 | CHF 940 |
| 36 metres. | CHF 3,387 | CHF 751 |
| 45 metres. | CHF 958 | CHF 650 |
«Per month» includes the deposit, all instalments paid and the final payment, divided by the number of months driven. The final instalment itself is highest halfway through the term. However, an early termination is by far the most expensive option per month driven. These figures are estimates; the table provided by your leasing company is the definitive guide.
Your three options
- Return: You cancel the contract, return the car and pay the outstanding balance. On top of that, there are costs for any damage and excess mileage.
- Pay off and keep: You pay off the outstanding balance and the car is yours. This allows you to buy out your car from the lease early and then sell it yourself. In the calculator, this amount is shown as the «buy-out amount».
- Submit: Another person takes over your lease, for example via a lease transfer platform. This is only possible if the leasing company agrees and the new person passes the credit check. There is often a fee for the transfer, but it is frequently the cheapest option.
Before you give notice: Ask your leasing company for a written quote for both options – returning the car and buying it out. At the same time, get a quote from a second-hand car dealer for your car. If this quote is higher than the buy-out amount, buying the car and reselling it is often cheaper than returning it.
Calculate your leasing budget
In «Budget» mode, you enter how much you want to pay each month. The calculator shows you the maximum price your car can cost. With CHF 500 per month, a CHF 5,000 deposit, 48 months and an interest rate of 3.9%, the purchase price will be no more than around CHF 43,700.
The leasing company will also assess your creditworthiness in accordance with Article 29 of the Consumer Credit Act (KKG). The instalments must be affordable without causing you to fall below the subsistence minimum for debt enforcement purposes. Every leasing contract is also reported to the Consumer Credit Information Centre (IKO).
Our stricter rule of thumb: your leasing instalment should amount to no more than 10 % of your net salary. This is because, on top of the instalment, you’ll need to factor in comprehensive insurance, servicing, tyres, road tax, parking and fuel. These costs can easily amount to as much again as the instalment itself. The Petrol cost calculator. Before you lease a car, you should also make sure that your emergency fund stand.
Should I lease or buy a car?
Leasing is convenient: little upfront capital, a new car, fixed costs. In return, you pay interest, have to take out comprehensive insurance and are bound by mileage limits and the lease term. When you buy a car, it’s yours from day one and you can drive it for as long as you like.
Compare the loan terms using the calculator: the longer you keep the car, the lower the monthly costs become, even though the interest costs rise.
| Duration | Rate | Interest expenses | per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 metres. | 650 | 2,590 | 858 |
| 36 metres. | 587 | 3,636 | 726 |
| 48 metres. | 518 | 4,657 | 622 |
| 60 metres. | 461 | 5,670 | 545 |
Amounts in CHF. Example: CHF 45,000 purchase price, CHF 5,000 deposit, 3.9 %, residual value based on a rule of thumb. ’per month’ = deposit and instalments, divided by the term, excluding a final payment at the end.
If you plan to keep your car for a long time, buying it is usually the cheaper option. You can check whether a loan is a better option than leasing using the Loan calculator. And the following shows you what would happen to the money if you invested part of your instalment: ETF Savings Plan Calculator.
Calculate your leasing instalment: Tips for lower costs
Here’s how to make your car lease more affordable:
- Compare the interest rate, not the instalment: A low monthly payment is often the result of a high residual value or a large deposit. You should therefore compare quotes based on the lease factor and the interest costs in Swiss francs.
- Negotiate the price first: The discount on the purchase price brings down the cost of everything that comes after. Only mention that you want to lease once that’s sorted.
- Take advantage of the brands’ promotions: Manufacturers often offer promotional interest rates, sometimes as low as 0 %. This is usually considerably cheaper than a bank’s interest rate.
- Choose a realistic distance: Too few kilometres will result in additional charges at the end of the contract; too many will cost you a monthly instalment.
- Plan the duration so that you can see it through: Early termination is the most costly mistake you can make when leasing.
- Include comprehensive insurance in your calculations: It’s compulsory when taking out a lease. Compare the premiums before signing, for example in the Car insurance comparison.
Leasing with no deposit
Car leasing with no deposit is very common in Switzerland. You don’t need any capital up front, but in return you pay higher monthly instalments and more interest. In the example with a purchase price of CHF 45,000 and a term of 48 months:
| Deposit | Rate | Interest expenses |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 0 | CHF 630 | CHF 5,048 |
| CHF 5'000 | CHF 518 | CHF 4,657 |
| CHF 10,000 | CHF 406 | CHF 4,267 |
A deposit saves you interest, but you’ll lose it if the car is written off or if you decide to get out of the deal early. Only put one down if you’ll still have your savings left afterwards.
Is 0 % leasing worth it?
Offers featuring 0 % leasing are promotional deals run by the manufacturers. You pay no interest, just the depreciation. This works out cheaply if the price is right. So always ask what discount you’d get if you paid in cash without leasing. If it’s significantly higher, the interest is factored into the price. Also check the deposit, mileage and term: 0 % leasing offers in Switzerland often apply only to specific models and short terms. In the calculator, simply set the interest rate to 0 % and compare.
You can find more calculators for everyday life and personal finances in the Computer Overview.
Frequently asked questions about the leasing calculator Switzerland
How does vehicle leasing work in Switzerland?
With car leasing in Switzerland, you pay a monthly instalment to use a vehicle for a fixed period. The car remains the property of the leasing company for the duration of the lease. At the end of the lease, you either return it or purchase it at its residual value, if the contract so provides. For private individuals, the Consumer Credit Act applies.
How do I work out the lease payment?
As a rule of thumb: (purchase price − deposit − residual value) ÷ term plus (purchase price − deposit + residual value) ÷ 2 × interest rate ÷ 12. With a purchase price of CHF 45,000, a deposit of CHF 5,000, a term of 48 months, an interest rate of 3.9 % and a residual value of CHF 19,800, this works out at around CHF 518 per month.
What costs are included in leasing?
The instalment covers depreciation and interest. You’ll need to pay extra for comprehensive insurance, servicing, tyres, road tax, fuel and any excess mileage. Some offers include a service package – check the contract to see if this applies.
Can the mileage limit be adjusted in the lease agreement?
Yes, you set the annual mileage in the contract. It’s often possible to adjust the mileage during the term of the lease – just ask your leasing company. Otherwise, they’ll charge you for any excess mileage at the end at a fixed rate per kilometre.
Can I terminate the leasing contract prematurely?
Yes. Under the Consumer Credit Act, you can give notice to terminate the lease at the end of a three-month term, subject to 30 days’ notice. The instalments will then be recalculated retrospectively for the shorter term. This often costs several thousand francs. Alternatives include buying the car outright or transferring the contract to another person.
What role does the residual value play in leasing?
The residual value is the value of the car at the end of the term. A higher residual value reduces the monthly instalment, but increases the interest costs and the price you pay if you take ownership of the car. Rule of thumb: after 1 year, around 75 %; after 3 years, around 50 % of the list price.
What makes a good leasing factor?
The leasing factor is the monthly instalment divided by the purchase price, multiplied by 100. As a rough guide, a factor of less than 1 is considered good value. Only compare figures where the term and deposit are the same.
Can I cancel a lease agreement?
Yes. A leasing contract under the Consumer Credit Act may be cancelled in writing within 14 days of signing.
Does the Consumer Credit Act also apply to business leasing?
No. The Consumer Credit Act protects private individuals. If a company or a self-employed person leases a car for business purposes, the terms of the contract apply, without the right to terminate the contract under the Consumer Credit Act. You can still calculate the lease instalment using the calculator.
Does the leasing calculator also work for motorbikes or electric cars?
Yes. The formula is the same for every vehicle, whether it’s a car, an electric car or a motorbike. Adjust the residual value to match your quote. With electric cars, the residual value is considered more difficult to predict; if in doubt, it’s best to use a lower figure.
Is 0 % leasing worth it?
Often, yes, if the purchase price is right. Ask about the cash discount without a lease. If it’s significantly higher, the interest is hidden in the price. Work out both options using the lease calculator.
Is this lease calculator independent?
Yes. The Schwiizerfranke leasing calculator is not owned by any bank, leasing company or car dealer. It is free of charge and does not require registration.