Debt Payoff Calculator
Compare the snowball and avalanche methods to clear debt faster.
Your debts
On top of all minimum payments
Highest interest rate first — pays the least interest.
Debt-free in
2 yr 9 mo
$3,716.19 total interest paid
Balance over time
Avalanche vs snowball
Avalanche
2 yr 9 mo
$3,716.19 interest
Snowball
2 yr 11 mo
$5,430.21 interest
The avalanche method saves about $1,714.02 in interest here.
Payoff order
- 1Credit card
- 2Store card
- 3Car loan
What does this mean?
When you owe money on several debts, the order you pay them off changes how fast you become debt-free and how much interest you pay. This calculator simulates both popular strategies month by month so you can see the difference for your own numbers.
Avalanche vs snowball
- Avalanche attacks the debt with the highest interest rate first. It mathematically pays the least total interest.
- Snowball attacks the smallest balance first. You clear individual debts faster, which many people find more motivating, usually at a small extra interest cost.
In both cases you keep paying every minimum payment, and your extra payment plus any freed-up minimums roll onto the target debt until everything is gone.
A quick example
With a high-rate credit card and a lower-rate car loan, the avalanche method clears the credit card first and pays less interest overall, while snowball might clear a smaller debt first for an early win.
Tip: even a modest extra monthly payment can cut years off your timeline — try changing the extra amount and watch the result.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, the snowball or avalanche method?+
The avalanche method always pays the least interest because it targets the highest rate first. The snowball method clears small debts faster, which can be more motivating. Use this tool to see the real difference for your debts.
How does the extra payment work?+
You keep paying every debt's minimum. The extra payment is added to the targeted debt. When a debt is cleared, its minimum payment rolls into the extra, accelerating the next one.
Why does it say 'Never'?+
If your total minimum payments and extra don't cover the monthly interest, the balances never fall. Increase the extra payment or the minimums until a payoff time appears.
Is this exact?+
It uses standard monthly interest accrual and is a close estimate. Real accounts may differ in compounding, fees and payment timing. It is for estimation only and not financial advice.