Everyday numbers, solved

Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator

Plan payoff for several debts at once and compare the snowball and avalanche methods: debt-free date, total interest, and payoff order.

Results update instantly.Change any value and the estimate recalculates on the spot.

Money

Multi-debt payoff planner

List your debts and an extra monthly amount to compare the snowball and avalanche payoff plans.

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Avalanche saves

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MethodDebt-free inTotal interestPaid off first
Avalanche (highest APR first)---
Snowball (smallest balance first)---
Minimums only---
  • Monthly budget-

Assumes fixed APRs, no new charges, and the same total payment every month. Freed-up minimums roll into the next debt.

How it works

How the Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator works

Quick answer: With four debts totaling $21,500 and $300 extra a month, the avalanche method clears everything in 2 yrs 2 mos and costs $2,947 in interest, $177 less than the snowball. Paying only minimums would cost $6,466.

Formula

Each month: interest = balance × APR ÷ 12 on every debt
Pay every minimum, then put the extra (plus minimums freed from paid-off debts) toward the target debt
Snowball target = smallest balance;  Avalanche target = highest APR

Your total monthly payment stays the same until every debt is gone, so each payoff speeds up the next one.

Worked example

Store card $2,500 at 24.99%, Visa $6,000 at 19.99%, car loan $9,000 at 6.9%, personal loan $4,000 at 11.5%, minimums $645, plus $300 extra ($945 a month). Avalanche: 2 yrs 2 mos, $2,947 interest. Snowball: 2 yrs 3 mos, $3,123 interest. Minimums only: 4 yrs 10 mos, $6,466.

Same debts with different extra payments

Extra per monthDebt-free (avalanche)Interest (avalanche)Interest (snowball)
$03 yrs 7 mos$6,164$6,168
$1002 yrs 11 mos$4,383$4,602
$3002 yrs 2 mos$2,947$3,123
$5001 yr 9 mos$2,272$2,433
$1,0001 yr 2 mos$1,484$1,600

Assumptions and limits

  • Avalanche always costs the least interest; snowball pays off small debts sooner, which some people find easier to stick with.
  • If a minimum does not cover a debt's monthly interest, that debt never shrinks; raise the payment.
  • Balance transfers or consolidation loans can beat both methods if the new rate is much lower.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, snowball or avalanche?

Avalanche saves the most money because it attacks the highest rate first. Snowball clears small balances first for quick wins. When the difference is small, pick the one you will stick with.

Should I keep paying minimums on the other debts?

Yes. Always pay every minimum to avoid late fees and credit damage; only the extra goes to the target debt.