Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
Compare snowball (smallest balance first) and avalanche (highest rate first) payoff strategies side by side to find which saves you more money and time.
Financial Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs provided. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment or financial planning decisions.
Interest Saved (Avalanche)
$0.00
Inputs
Comparison
Snowball Payoff Time
51 months
Snowball Total Interest
$5,620.42
Avalanche Payoff Time
51 months
Avalanche Total Interest
$5,620.42
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the balance, interest rate, and minimum payment for up to five debts.
- Input any extra monthly payment you can apply above the minimums.
- Compare Snowball Months (smallest balance first) vs Avalanche Months (highest rate first).
- Review Snowball Total Interest vs Avalanche Total Interest — avalanche usually saves more money, snowball often provides faster early wins.
- Choose the method that best matches your psychology and financial goals.
What each input means
- Debt 1 Balance
- Current balance of your first debt.
- Debt 1 APR
- Annual percentage rate on debt 1.
- Debt 1 Min Payment
- Minimum monthly payment on debt 1.
- Debt 2 Balance
- Current balance of your second debt.
- Debt 2 APR
- Annual percentage rate on debt 2.
- Debt 2 Min Payment
- Minimum monthly payment on debt 2.
- Debt 3 Balance
- Current balance of your third debt (0 to skip).
- Debt 3 APR
- Annual percentage rate on debt 3.
- Debt 3 Min Payment
- Minimum monthly payment on debt 3.
- Debt 4 Balance
- Current balance of your fourth debt (0 to skip).
- Debt 4 APR
- Annual percentage rate on debt 4.
- Debt 4 Min Payment
- Minimum monthly payment on debt 4.
- Debt 5 Balance
- Current balance of your fifth debt (0 to skip).
- Debt 5 APR
- Annual percentage rate on debt 5.
- Debt 5 Min Payment
- Minimum monthly payment on debt 5.
- Extra Monthly Payment
- Additional amount above minimums to throw at debt each month.
Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
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