Debt Payoff Calculator
Add your debts and an extra monthly payment, and see exactly how the snowball and avalanche methods compare, how many months each takes and how much interest each costs. Then pick the one you'll actually stick with.
Avalanche (highest APR first)
Snowball (smallest balance first)
Both methods finish close together here. Snowball's early wins help you stay motivated; avalanche minimizes interest.
The extra payment is the whole game
Minimum payments are designed to keep you in debt for as long as possible. Everything changes with the extra monthly payment, that's the money that actually shrinks your balances and stops the interest. Bump that number up above and watch both the timeline and the total interest fall.
Whichever method you choose, the math only works if you also stop adding new debt. A budget and an emergency fund are what keep the next surprise from undoing your progress, build those alongside your payoff plan.
Common questions
What is the difference between the debt snowball and avalanche?
Both throw every spare dollar at one debt while paying minimums on the rest. Avalanche targets the highest APR first, cheapest in total interest. Snowball targets the smallest balance first, faster wins and more motivation. Avalanche wins on math; snowball wins on follow-through.
Which debt payoff method should I use?
Use avalanche if the interest savings are meaningful and you'll stick with it. Use snowball if you need visible wins to stay motivated. The best method is the one you'll actually finish, the interest gap is usually smaller than the gap between finishing and quitting.
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This calculator is for education and general information only, not financial, investment, or tax advice. Results are estimates based on the assumptions you enter and do not predict actual returns.