Statutory Interest Calculator - Pennsylvania

42 Pa. C.S. § 8101 sets the lawful rate at six percent (6%) per year simple interest in 2026 for judgments and obligations without an express contract rate—among the lowest in the United States. If the contract expressly provides a rate, that rate may govern when enforceable. Personal injury delay damages follow Pa. R.C.P. 238 at prime rate plus one percent, not § 8101. Identify commercial versus tort framework before quoting six percent. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

For § 8101 claims, accrual often ties to breach, wrongful retention, or judgment entry depending on phase. Verdict and judgment dates control many post-judgment calculations. Rule 238 delay damages follow tort notice and litigation timing—not identical to § 8101. Build a chronology with the signed judgment and contract. Partial payments reduce principal. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

An express contract rate governs when provided and enforceable; § 8101 applies when the agreement is silent on interest. A fifteen percent note and a silent invoice followed by six percent § 8101 are different paths. Usury limits may cap enforceable contract rates. Compare your agreement to § 8101 before assuming six percent replaces a negotiated APR. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

42 Pa. C.S. § 8101 uses simple six percent on principal in routine planning without mandating compounding. Contracts may provide compound terms if lawful. This calculator uses simple interest only. Rule 238 delay damages are a separate simple-interest framework for qualifying tort claims. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

Pre-judgment commercial interest may follow an express contract rate or § 8101 when silent. Post-judgment accrues on unpaid judgment principal at six percent under § 8101 unless the judgment incorporates a contract rate. Tort delay damages under Pa. R.C.P. 238 at prime plus one percent are prejudgment-oriented and distinct from § 8101. Segment phases before demanding one rate. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.

Simple interest: principal times rate times years. Twenty-five thousand dollars at six percent for eighteen months equals two thousand two hundred fifty dollars ($25,000 × 0.06 × 1.5). TheLegalCalc multiplies your inputs. If a contract rate applies, substitute with counsel guidance. Tort delay damages require Rule 238 analysis, not § 8101 alone. Document principal, rate category, payment chronology, and governing statute on every demand letter or payoff quote. Partial payments reduce the principal base prospectively under simple interest math. This calculator provides educational estimates only and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your court, claim type, and docket. Verify official statute text and court rules before filing, settling, or enforcing.