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20/4/10 Rule Explained
20/4/10 rule explained for the US—20% down, 4-year max term, 10% of income max payment so you don't overpay.
AutoPremo Team
January 31, 2026
1 min read
The 20/4/10 rule in the U.S.: 20% down payment, 4-year max loan term, payment ≤ 10% of gross monthly income—so you don't over-borrow. Use autopremo.com affordability calculator and payment calculator. Use autopremo.com.
TL;DR 20/4/10 = 20% down, 4-year max term, payment ≤ 10% of gross income. Use autopremo.com affordability and payment calculator to see what you can afford. Use autopremo.com.What It Means
20% down = less negative equity early. 4-year max = less total interest. 10% of income = payment fits budget. Use autopremo.com affordability calculator to model. Get your numbers at autopremo.com.
Bottom Line
20/4/10 = 20% down, 4-year max, 10% payment. Use autopremo.com affordability and payment calculator so you don't over-borrow.