Add your debts and compare the avalanche and snowball strategies side by side. See exactly how much interest you'll save and when you'll be completely debt-free.
Your debts
Debt nameBalanceAPR %Min payment
Payoff strategy
🏔️ Avalanche
Pay minimums on all debts, then put every extra dollar toward the highest interest rate first. Saves the most money overall.
⛄ Snowball
Pay minimums on all debts, then put every extra dollar toward the smallest balance first. Builds momentum with quick wins.
$
Additional amount beyond minimums
$
Auto-calculated from minimums + extra
Payoff summary
Avalanche vs snowball comparison
Debt payoff order
Balance over time
Chart shows remaining balance for each debt over time using your selected strategy. Debts with significantly smaller balances may appear near the bottom due to scale differences.
Month by month breakdown
Month
Date
Payment
Principal
Interest
Balance remaining
How it works
How this calculator works
Enter each of your debts with the balance, interest rate, and minimum payment. Add an extra monthly payment amount if you have one. The calculator compares the avalanche method (highest interest first) and snowball method (smallest balance first) side by side so you can choose the best strategy for your situation.
1
Add your debts
Balance, interest rate, and minimum payment for each
2
Set extra payment
Any additional monthly amount above minimums
3
Choose strategy
Avalanche, snowball, or compare both
4
See your payoff
Payoff date, total interest saved, and payment schedule
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the avalanche method?
The avalanche method means paying minimums on all debts then directing every extra dollar to the debt with the highest interest rate. Once that debt is paid off you move to the next highest rate. This approach minimizes total interest paid and gets you debt-free faster mathematically — though it requires patience if your highest-rate debt has a large balance.
What is the snowball method?
The snowball method means paying minimums on all debts then focusing extra payments on the smallest balance first. When that debt is paid off you roll that payment amount to the next smallest balance. This creates psychological momentum and quick wins that keep you motivated. Research shows people using the snowball method are more likely to actually become debt-free.
Which method is better — avalanche or snowball?
The avalanche method saves more money in interest. The snowball method is more motivating for many people. The best method is whichever one you will actually stick to. If you are highly motivated by math and saving money choose avalanche. If you need quick wins to stay on track choose snowball. Either method beats making only minimum payments.
How much do extra payments actually help?
Extra payments have a dramatic compounding effect. Even $50–100 extra per month can cut years off your payoff timeline. Every dollar of principal you eliminate early prevents months of future interest charges. For example adding $200 per month to a $10,000 credit card at 20% APR could reduce payoff time from over 7 years to under 4 years and save thousands in interest.
Should I consider a balance transfer or debt consolidation?
A balance transfer to a 0% APR credit card can accelerate payoff significantly — most cards offer 12–21 months at 0% with a 3–5% transfer fee. Debt consolidation through a personal loan at a lower rate than your existing debts can simplify payments and reduce interest. Both options work best when paired with a disciplined payoff plan and no new spending on credit cards.
What order should I pay off my debts?
Always make at least the minimum payment on all debts to avoid late fees and credit damage. Beyond minimums, prioritize in this order: first any debt with a 0% promotional rate ending soon, then the highest interest rate debts (avalanche), or smallest balances if you need motivation (snowball). Never skip minimums on any account regardless of strategy.