Debt Payoff Calculator: Snowball vs Avalanche
Compare snowball and avalanche side by side. See months to debt-free, total interest, and which debt to attack first.
Snowball pays the smallest balance first for quick wins. Avalanche pays the highest APR first to minimize interest. This calculator runs both on the same debts and extra payment so you can pick the plan you will stick with.
Calculator
Compare strategies
Free, no accountHow it works
- Add each debt: balance, APR, and minimum payment.
- Enter any extra amount you can pay toward debt each month.
- We simulate month by month until balances hit zero (or 50 years max).
Formula: Each month: interest = balance × APR ÷ 12. Pay minimums on all debts, then put extra toward the focus debt (smallest balance or highest APR).
Example
Two debts: $2,000 at 22% ($60 min) and $5,000 at 8% ($100 min) with $150 extra. Avalanche usually finishes with less interest; snowball may finish the small card sooner.
FAQ
Which method is better?
Avalanche costs less interest mathematically. Snowball can be easier to stick with. The better plan is the one you complete.
What if my minimums already equal my budget?
Set extra payment to $0 to see the baseline. Any raise, tax refund, or cut from subscriptions can become extra.