List your debts, add what you can pay extra, and compare the snowball and avalanche methods side by side — payoff date, interest paid and the order you’d clear each debt.
| Debt | Balance | APR % | Min. payment |
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How to use the Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
- Enter each debt: a name, the current balance, the interest rate (APR) and the minimum monthly payment. Use + Add debt for more rows.
- Enter the extra amount you can put toward debt each month on top of the minimums.
- Compare the two plans: months to debt-free, total interest, and the order in which each debt is paid off.
About this tool
Both methods have you pay the minimum on every debt and throw everything extra at one target debt. When that debt is gone, its payment rolls into the next target — the payment “snowballs”. The difference is which debt you attack first.
Avalanche targets the highest interest rate first. It is mathematically optimal: you always pay the least total interest. Snowball targets the smallest balance first. It usually costs a little more interest but delivers quick wins — the first debt disappears within months, which is why many people find it easier to stick with. This calculator shows the real gap for your numbers so you can choose with your eyes open; often the difference is smaller than people expect.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, snowball or avalanche?
Avalanche saves the most money. Snowball gives faster motivation. If the calculator shows only a small difference in interest, pick the one you’re most likely to stick with — the plan you keep beats the plan you abandon.
What counts as a debt here?
Any fixed-payment debt: credit cards, personal loans, car loans, student loans, buy-now-pay-later plans, medical bills. Mortgages are usually left out because they’re large and low-rate.
What if I can’t pay anything extra?
Enter 0 as the extra. The plan still works: each time a minimum payment frees up it rolls to the next debt. Extra money just speeds everything up.
Why does it say the payments don’t cover the interest?
If the minimum payments are lower than the monthly interest, the balances grow instead of shrinking. Increase the extra amount or the minimums until the balance falls.