Debt Payoff Calculator: Snowball vs Avalanche
Compare the debt snowball and avalanche methods. See which order clears your debts sooner and how much interest each approach may cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the debt snowball method?
The snowball method pays the minimum on every debt and puts anything extra toward the smallest balance first. When that debt is cleared, its payment rolls onto the next smallest. The appeal is momentum: you clear whole debts sooner, which some people find easier to keep up.
What is the debt avalanche method?
The avalanche method also pays every minimum, but sends anything extra to the debt with the highest interest rate first. Because the most expensive balance shrinks fastest, less interest accrues along the way.
Which method pays less interest?
For a given monthly payment, targeting the highest rate first mathematically costs the least in interest. This calculator shows both totals side by side so you can see the difference on your own numbers. When your highest-rate debt is also your smallest, the two orders are identical.
Why might someone choose the snowball anyway?
The gap between the two is often smaller than people expect, and a plan only works if it gets followed. Clearing a debt outright is a visible result, and for some people that is what keeps the payments going. The tradeoff is real: you may pay somewhat more interest in exchange for earlier wins. This calculator shows you the size of that tradeoff rather than choosing for you.
Does this account for fees and promotional rates?
No. The projection assumes a fixed APR on each debt and a payment made every month with no late fees, annual fees, penalty rates, or 0% promotional periods. Two cases are worth checking by hand. A promotional rate that expires partway through will cost more than the rate you entered, and store cards or medical financing plans that use deferred interest may add all the interest accrued during the 0% window if a balance remains when it closes.
What happens if the minimums do not cover the interest?
The balance does not go down, so there is no payoff date to show. The calculator says so instead of reporting a number. If you see that message, the payment entered is smaller than the interest accruing each month.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-20