Calculator

Debt payoff

Compare the snowball and avalanche repayment strategies side by side — which one clears your debts faster, and how much interest it saves. Everything runs in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.

$

The total you can put toward all debts each month.

Each debt's minimum is assumed at 1% of its starting balance (min $25/month) so every debt stays serviced while extra money targets one at a time. Rates and balances are estimates — actual cards and loans differ.

Snowball
smallest balance first
—
Total interest
—
Total cost
—
Payoff
—
Avalanche
highest interest first
—
Total interest
—
Total cost
—
Payoff
—
Common questions

Snowball vs avalanche, answered

What is the debt snowball method?

The debt snowball pays every debt's minimum, then throws extra money at the debt with the smallest balance first. Once that debt is gone, its minimum payment rolls onto the next-smallest balance. It focuses on quick wins and momentum, which helps people stay motivated.

What is the debt avalanche method?

The debt avalanche pays every debt's minimum, then puts extra money toward the debt with the highest interest rate first. Because it targets the most expensive debt, it mathematically saves the most interest and finishes the fastest.

Which is better, snowball or avalanche?

Avalanche is the cheapest and fastest; snowball is kinder to motivation because you clear small debts quickly. The best method is the one you actually stick to. This calculator shows the months, total interest and total cost for both side by side so you can decide.

How is the total interest calculated here?

Each month, interest accrues on every outstanding balance at the annual rate divided by 12. Your full monthly budget is applied across the debts, with the money above minimums going to the target debt. It keeps simulating month by month until every balance reaches zero.