Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
Enter your debts and instantly see which payoff method wins: the avalanche (least interest) or the snowball (fastest first win). You get exact payoff months, total interest, and the payment order for each — no sign-up.
Total debt falling to zero
Green = avalanche, blue = snowball. The lower/steeper line clears debt sooner.
Your payoff order & debts
Which debt each method attacks first, then your debts as entered.
| Method / Debt | Balance | APR | Min |
|---|
How the simulation works — no black box
Each month, for both methods: interest accrues on every balance, minimum payments are made on all debts, and the entire remaining budget is thrown at one target debt:
When a debt hits $0, its payment rolls into the next target — accelerating payoff for both methods. We run this month by month until every balance is cleared, tracking total interest for each strategy.
How to use this debt payoff calculator
- Enter each debt — name, balance, APR and minimum monthly payment. Add or remove rows as needed.
- Set your extra payment — anything above the total minimums. This is the lever that clears debt faster.
- Compare. See the interest and months for avalanche vs snowball, plus the exact order each method attacks.
What your result actually means
The avalanche method is mathematically optimal — targeting the highest interest rate wastes the least money. The snowball method clears your smallest debt first, and that early win is why many people actually finish. If the interest difference is small, the best method is the one you'll stick with. If it's large, the avalanche is worth the discipline.
Frequently asked questions
Is avalanche always cheaper?
Yes — targeting the highest APR first always minimizes interest and usually clears all debt at least as fast. The trade-off is motivation, not math.
Why do minimum payments matter?
You must at least cover each debt's minimum to avoid penalties. If your minimums plus extra don't cover total interest, balances grow — the tool will warn you.
What if I add a windfall?
Increase the extra payment and watch both timelines shorten. Every dollar above the minimums goes straight to the target debt.
Method & sources
- Calculation: Month-by-month simulation of both strategies — interest accrual, minimum payments, and a rolling extra payment funneled to the priority debt until all balances reach zero.
- Method definitions follow standard debt-snowball and debt-avalanche practice as described in Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) debt-repayment guidance.
- Reviewed: · Assumptions reviewed quarterly.
Educational estimate, not financial advice. Confirm minimums and APRs with your lenders.