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Debt payoff calculator: snowball vs avalanche
List your debts, add anything extra you can pay each month, and compare your debt-free date and total interest under both methods.
Last updated September 24, 2026
What's new: calculator launched. Runs entirely in your browser; nothing you type is sent or stored.
| Debt | Balance ($) | APR (%) | Minimum payment ($/mo) |
|---|
How it works
- Snowball: pay the minimum on everything, and put every extra dollar on the smallest balance. When it's gone, roll its payment into the next smallest.
- Avalanche: same idea, but target the highest interest rate first. This usually costs the least interest.
- The calculator adds one month of interest (APR ÷ 12) to each balance, then applies your payments. Your total monthly payment stays the same as debts are paid off, so freed-up minimums go to the next target.
- It assumes fixed rates, no new charges and no fees. Real statements may differ slightly because lenders compute interest daily.
Behind on payments or hearing from collectors? See debt collection laws by state.