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Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator

Enter your debts and one extra payment. We'll run both methods side by side — your debt-free date, total interest, and exactly how much the avalanche saves you in dollars.

Your debts

Debt nameBalance ($)APR (%)Min payment ($/mo)

Payoff strategy

Snowball · smallest balance first
Quick wins. Pay the smallest debt off first, roll payments forward.
Avalanche · highest APR first
Least interest. Attack the highest-rate debt first, mathematically optimal.

Results — compare both methods

Debt-free date
Snowball total interest
Avalanche total interest
Avalanche saves you
vs snowball

Snowball

Total interest:
Payoff time:
Monthly payment:

Avalanche

Total interest:
Payoff time:
Monthly payment:

Line shows total remaining balance month by month. Snowball and avalanche are often much closer than people expect — the method you stick with wins.

Want the full plan — on paper, in Excel?

Our Debt Payoff Toolkit turns these numbers into a printable amortization schedule, a month-by-month payment table, a progress tracker, and a dashboard you update once a month. Works in Excel, Google Sheets & Numbers.

Get the Debt Payoff Toolkit — $9.99 Instant download · Auto-calculating · Free updates · 60-day money-back

Common questions

Which method is better: snowball or avalanche?

Avalanche (highest APR first) pays the least interest and reaches debt-free sooner. Snowball (smallest balance first) gives faster psychological wins. In practice the total-interest difference is often small — the method you actually stick with wins.

How is interest calculated?

We assume interest compounds monthly at APR/12, charged on the remaining balance each month, with payments applied after interest accrues. Credit cards actually compound daily; this monthly model is a close, slightly conservative estimate.

What if I can only afford minimum payments?

Run the calculator with $0 extra. The result shows your true debt-free date and total interest at minimums — which is exactly why making any extra payment matters. The toolkit includes a "minimum-only vs extra" comparison.

Does the calculator work offline?

Yes. Everything runs in your browser — your data never leaves your device.

This tool provides general financial education and calculations. It is not financial advice. Interest rates, fees, and your personal situation vary — please verify with your lender and consult a qualified professional before making decisions.