📊 Interest Rate Cap Calculator

Calculate the cost and benefits of interest rate cap protection for commercial loans

Loan & Cap Details

$1M$50M
1 year10 years
2%10%

Rate above which cap provides protection

0%8%
0.5%5%

Margin above reference rate

Low (10%)High (50%)

Higher volatility = higher cap premium

ESTIMATED CAP PREMIUM

$383K

7.658% of loan amount

766 basis points

$76,583/year amortized

Key Metrics

Break-Even Rate5.00%
Current All-In Rate6.00%
Maximum All-In Rate (Capped)7.50%
Protection Range5.00% - ∞

vs. Fixed Rate Alternative

Fixed Rate5.00%

Total 5-year cost: $1.25M

Floating + Cap6.50% avg

Total 5-year cost: $2.01M

Extra Cost$0.76M

Rate Rise Scenarios

ScenarioReference RateAll-In RateCapped RateAnnual InterestCap PaymentNet Cost
Current (No Rise)3.50%6.00%6.00%$300K$300K
Moderate Rise (+1%)4.50%7.00%7.00%$350K$350K
Significant Rise (+2%)5.50%8.00%7.50%$400K$25K$375K
Major Rise (+3%)6.50%9.00%7.50%$450K$75K$375K

Cap provides protection when reference rate exceeds 5.00%. All figures are annual.

How Interest Rate Caps Work

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Protection

An interest rate cap protects floating-rate borrowers from rate increases above the strike rate. You pay an upfront premium for this insurance.

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Payments

When SOFR exceeds the cap strike, the cap issuer compensates you for the difference, effectively capping your interest rate.

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Pricing Factors

Cap premium depends on: strike rate vs. current rate, loan term, rate volatility, and market expectations. Higher volatility = higher premium.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer:This calculator provides estimates based on simplified pricing models. Actual cap premiums vary by lender, market conditions, counterparty credit risk, and specific loan terms. Consult with a derivatives specialist or treasury advisor for precise quotes. Interest rate caps are complex financial instruments; ensure you understand the terms before purchasing.