Debt snowball vs avalanche calculator
Enter your debts and see your debt-free date and total interest under both methods. Free, no sign-up. Your numbers stay in your browser.
Want the full picture?
The Debt Payoff Calculator spreadsheet does this and more, month by month, and saves your numbers. USD 9, works in Excel and Google Sheets.
Snowball vs avalanche, in plain words
Both methods have you pay the minimum on every debt each month and put any extra money toward one debt at a time. When a debt is paid off, its minimum payment is added to the extra and rolls on to the next one. The only difference is the order.
- Snowball pays the smallest balance first. You clear whole debts sooner, which many people find motivating.
- Avalanche pays the highest interest rate first. It usually costs less interest in total.
With a small gap between the two, pick the one you'll actually stick with. The calculator shows the real difference with your numbers.
Questions
Why do both methods sometimes finish in the same month?
The total you pay each month is the same under both methods; only the order changes. That often moves the finish date very little, while the interest total can differ more.
What does "minimum payments don't cover the interest" mean?
If a debt's interest each month is more than you pay, the balance never falls. Raise the extra payment until it does.
Is this financial advice?
No. It's a calculator based on the numbers you enter. For advice on your situation, talk to a qualified professional.