Car leasing calculator (Switzerland)

Your lease

Vehicle price — purchase price (CHF)

CHF

Down payment — often 0–20% (CHF)

CHF

Residual value — end of contract (CHF)

CHF

Annual interest rate (%) often 4–7

Term (months) e.g. 48

Leasing monthly payment

—

Financed amount (price − down)	—
Residual value	—
Total interest	—
Total leasing cost (down + payments)	—

⚠️ Estimate. Leasing often includes mandatory comprehensive insurance, admin fees and a mileage limit — not included here. The residual value is set by the contract. This is not a leasing offer.

→ Electric or petrol: the running costCompare the cost per kilometre of both engines.

How is a leasing payment calculated?

Leasing finances the difference between the vehicle price and its residual value (what it will be worth at the end). Each month you pay this 'depreciation' plus interest on the remaining capital. A down payment reduces the financed amount, hence the payment.

Note: a high residual value lowers the payment but raises what you'd owe to buy the car at the end. Always compare the total cost (down + all payments), not just the monthly figure shown by the dealer.

Detailed calculation method

A leasing instalment is not the car's price divided by the term. It is an annuity: you finance the difference between the price and the residual value, plus interest on the capital that remains committed.

financed capital = price − down payment
i = annual rate ÷ 12
instalment = (capital − residual value × (1+i)⁻ⁿ) × i ÷ (1 − (1+i)⁻ⁿ)
total cost = down payment + instalment × n · interest = total cost − (price − residual value)

Two levers work in opposite directions. A high residual value lowers the instalment — but you pay interest on capital that stays large, and at the end you own nothing. A large down payment reduces both the instalment and the interest, but ties up your savings. The tool always shows total interest: the only figure that lets you compare two offers honestly.

Limitations and accuracy

The rate you enter is a nominal rate. The statutory annual percentage rate is usually higher: it includes arrangement fees and insurance required by the contract. In leasing, full comprehensive insurance is almost always required, which can add several hundred francs a year compared with third-party cover on a car you own.

The calculation does not model three decisive contractual elements: the included annual mileage and the excess-kilometre rate, return charges if wear is deemed excessive, and cantonal tax, servicing and tyres, which remain your responsibility. Consumer leasing is governed by the Consumer Credit Act (right of withdrawal, conditions for early termination): read the clauses before signing.

Frequently asked questions

Leasing or a car loan: which costs less?

At the same rate, a loan is often cheaper in total because you amortise the whole vehicle and become its owner; leasing pays interest on capital that stays high. Leasing keeps the advantage of a low instalment and easy renewal. Always compare total interest, not instalments.

What happens at the end of the contract?

You return the vehicle, which is inspected. If its condition or mileage differ from the contract, charges are added. Some contracts include a purchase option at the residual value: check whether it exists and on what terms.

Is comprehensive insurance really mandatory?

Not by law, but the lessor almost always requires it since it remains the owner of the vehicle. Include that premium in your comparison: it is part of the real cost of leasing.

Can a lease be terminated early?

Early termination is possible but it has a cost: the lessor calculates a balance taking into account the vehicle's value and unaccrued interest. The Consumer Credit Act governs these situations — ask for the statement in writing before committing to a takeover.