What is amortization primarily used for?

Amortization is primarily associated with the process of spreading out a loan into a series of fixed payments over time. This involves determining how much of each payment goes toward the principal and how much covers the interest. By using amortization, borrowers can calculate their monthly payments to ensure they pay off the loan within a specified timeframe, making it an essential financial tool for managing installment loans.

In this context, while amortization does have implications for tax deductions and assessing asset values, its fundamental purpose is centered around the structured repayment of loans. This clear focus on equal periodic payments differentiates it from other uses that would not capture the essence of amortization.