Useful tools that show their work
Pick a question. Change the numbers. Understand the answer.
StepShown helps you work through money, home, health, school, business, and everyday choices. Every answer shows where its numbers came from.
How StepShown works
- The answer comes first
- See the main result right away. Then open the full calculation when you want every step.
- Every number is explained
- StepShown tells you what each number means, which formula it uses, and what the answer means in real life.
- Easy to change and share
- Change an input and the answer updates. You can copy a link, print the result, or download a table.
Choose a tool
- FinanceWhat will this house actually cost me every month?See the full monthly payment. It includes the loan, property tax, home insurance, private mortgage insurance, association dues, and any extra payment.Open workspace
- Home OwnershipHow much cash do I need on the day?Add the down payment, closing fees, costs paid early, and moving money. Then subtract money already paid and seller credits.Open workspace
- FinanceWhen will I actually be out of debt?Enter each balance, rate, and minimum payment. Compare paying the smallest balance first with paying the highest interest rate first.Open workspace
- FinanceIs refinancing worth the closing costs?Compare the old and new loan. StepShown counts closing costs, payments made, and the balance still owed so a smaller payment cannot hide a longer loan.Open workspace
- Home OwnershipAm I better off renting or buying right now?Compare what each choice may leave you with after the same number of years. The model counts upkeep, selling costs, and money the renter could invest.Open workspace
- FinanceWhat will my savings grow into?See how starting money and monthly deposits may change over time. The return, fee, and inflation estimates stay visible and editable.Open workspace
- FinanceHow much emergency savings would actually protect me?Turn essential costs, yearly bills, current savings, and one surprise bill into a clear savings target and number of months covered.Open workspace
- AutomotiveWhat does this car cost me over the whole loan?See the loan payment, running costs, value loss, and any old car debt added to the new loan. Compare what you owe with the car's estimated value.Open workspace
- BusinessHow long until we run out of money?Follow business cash month by month. See when cash may reach zero and when money coming in may begin to cover money going out.Open workspace
- BusinessHow many sales make this offer worth running?Find how many sales cover all costs and how many reach a profit goal. See whether expected sales and delivery limits can get there.Open workspace
- BusinessWhat rate makes freelance work sustainable?Work backward from personal pay, business costs, time off, billable hours, unpaid invoices, and money kept in the business.Open workspace
- BusinessIs the salary or contract offer worth more?Add the value of salary, bonus, retirement money, and benefits. Compare it with contract money left after unpaid invoices, business savings, and costs.Open workspace
- HealthWhat do my body measurements actually mean?Calculate body mass index, waist to height ratio, and an optional body fat estimate. See what each number can and cannot tell you.Open workspace
- EducationWhere does my GPA stand, and what do I need next term?Combine earlier grades with current courses. See your new grade point average and the future average needed for a goal.Open workspace
- Everyday LifeWhat does each person actually owe?Use the tax and service charge printed on the receipt. Split evenly or by each order, and keep the voluntary tip and required charge separate.Open workspace
- Everyday LifeIs driving or flying cheaper for this trip?Compare driving and flying with the prices you enter for travel, lodging, food, activities, vehicle use, and a small surprise cost buffer.Open workspace