Debt Payoff Calculator: Snowball vs Avalanche
Enter your actual debts below and we'll calculate exactly how many months each method takes and how much interest you'll pay with each — side by side, using your real numbers instead of a generic example.
Your Results
Debt Snowball
Debt Avalanche
Snowball payoff order (smallest balance first)
Avalanche payoff order (highest interest rate first)
How This Calculator Works
Both methods put every extra dollar toward one debt at a time while paying minimums on the rest — they only differ in which debt gets the extra money first. The snowball method targets your smallest balance first, for quick psychological wins. The avalanche method targets your highest interest rate first, which mathematically saves the most money. Once a debt is paid off, its full payment (minimum + whatever extra was going to it) rolls onto the next debt in line — that's the "snowball" or "avalanche" effect compounding as you go.
For the full breakdown of when each method makes more sense for your situation, see our guide to debt snowball vs. avalanche.