Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
Compare the snowball and avalanche debt payoff strategies. Enter all your debts and see which method saves you more money and gets you debt-free faster.
Your Debts
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Extra Payment
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Additional amount above minimum payments each month
Enter values and click Calculate to see results
How This Calculator Works
This calculator compares two popular debt payoff strategies. Both apply your extra payment to one debt at a time while making minimum payments on the rest. When a debt is paid off, its minimum payment rolls into the next target — creating a growing “snowball” of payment power.
Extra + Freed Minimums → Next Target DebtSnowball= Pay smallest balance first (quick wins, motivation)Avalanche= Pay highest interest rate first (saves the most money)Rollover= Freed-up minimums roll into the next debt automaticallyExample Scenarios
Mixed Rate Debts
CC:$5K @ 22%
Car:$15K @ 6.5%
Student:$25K @ 5.5%
Extra:$300/mo
Avalanche Saves: ~$2,100
Avalanche targets the 22% credit card first — saving thousands in high-interest charges.
Similar Rate Debts
Loan A:$8K @ 5%
Loan B:$12K @ 5.5%
Loan C:$6K @ 4.8%
Extra:$200/mo
Difference: ~$150
When rates are similar, both strategies perform almost equally — pick whichever motivates you more.
Which Strategy Is Right for You?
- Avalanche: Best if you want to minimize total interest paid — the mathematically optimal choice
- Snowball: Best if you need motivation from quick wins — research shows people are more likely to stick with it
- Either works: The most important thing is having extra payments. Both strategies beat minimum-only payments by years