Debt Snowball / Avalanche Calculator
Enter your debts, choose snowball (smallest balance first) or avalanche (highest APR first), add any extra budget, and see a live plan—months to debt-free, total interest, savings vs. paying minimums only, payoff order, and a monthly schedule.
Your debts
| Name | Balance | APR | Min payment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$ | % | $ | ||
$ | % | $ | ||
$ | % | $ |
Payoff summary
Results interpretation
- Snowball (smallest balance first) is great for momentum—quick wins keep you engaged.
- Avalanche (highest APR first) is usually the cheapest path in total interest.
- Keeping the total monthly payment constant is what makes the plan accelerate over time.
- If your budget is below month-one interest, balances will grow—raise budget or lower APRs.
- Who it’s for: anyone wanting a clear, automatic payoff order with transparent savings.
How this calculator works
Formula & assumptions
Each month, interest = balance × (APR/12). We pay the minimum on all active debts, then direct the remaining budget to the current target (snowball: smallest balance; avalanche: highest APR).
When a debt finishes, its old minimum is rolled to the next target, keeping your total outlay constant and accelerating payoff.
We also compute a baseline (minimum payments only) to show months and interest you save with your extra.
Assumptions: fixed APRs and minimums, monthly compounding, no new charges/fees. Real terms vary—treat as planning estimates.
Use cases & examples
Example 1 — Momentum first: Three cards with balances $800, $2,100, $5,000. Snowball pays off $800 fast, then rolls both payments to $2,100, creating a quick win and a faster slope.
Example 2 — Minimize interest: If one card has 27% APR and others are 15%, avalanche targets the 27% first, typically saving hundreds in interest over the plan.
Example 3 — Budget tuning: If month-one interest totals $290 and your budget is $280, raise budget to at least $300 or move balances to lower APRs so the plan actually shrinks debt.
Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche: Pick a Payoff Strategy You’ll Stick With (and Save the Most)
A debt snowball and avalanche calculator turns a messy list of balances into a simple, ranked plan. Both strategies keep your total monthly payment constant so the payoff pace accelerates. The difference is which balance gets the extra money first. Snowball targets the smallest balance for fast wins. Avalanche targets the highest APR for the lowest interest cost. In practice, the “best” method is the one you can follow consistently—this tool shows the timeline, total interest, and exact payoff order so you can decide with clear numbers.
Why rolling payments works
When you finish a debt, you don’t lower your monthly outlay—you redirect it to the next target. That’s why balances begin dropping faster later in the plan. It’s a behavioral flywheel that happens to be mathematically powerful.
Which is cheaper?
If APRs differ meaningfully, avalanche is almost always cheaper. But if your motivation wavers, snowball can win in the real world because you’ll actually stick with it. The calculator quantifies both: months to debt-free, total interest, and the payoff order line-by-line.
Make your plan stick
- Automate your monthly budget the day after payday.
- Pause new charges on targeted cards and keep a small emergency buffer to avoid setbacks.
- Any windfall—refunds, bonuses—goes to the current target for outsized impact.
Debt freedom is a sequence of small, consistent wins. Set a realistic budget, pick a strategy, and let the snowball/avalanche effect do its job.
Debt Snowball / Avalanche — FAQ
Which saves more money: snowball or avalanche?
Usually avalanche (highest APR first). Snowball can be better if quick wins keep you consistent.
What if my budget is below the first month’s interest?
Balances will grow. Increase your budget, lower APRs (transfer/consolidate), or both.
Should I include new purchases?
No—avoid new charges on targeted debts so your plan stays on track.
Can I switch strategies mid-plan?
Yes. The best strategy is the one you’ll follow. This tool updates instantly if you switch.
Do minimums change over time?
This model keeps mins fixed for clarity. In reality, minimums may fall—keeping your budget constant still accelerates payoff.
How many debts can I add?
As many as you like—use “Add debt” to extend the table.
How to use this calculator
- Enter each debt’s name, balance, APR, and minimum payment.
- Choose Snowball for momentum or Avalanche to minimize interest.
- Enter an extra monthly amount you can sustain.
- Review debt-free date, total interest, and the payoff order.
- Automate payments and keep your total budget constant as debts finish.