Debt Payoff calculator.
Use this free debt payoff calculator to compare the snowball and avalanche methods — see how fast you become debt-free, how much interest each costs, and how much the smarter order saves you.
Use the Debt Payoff Calculator.
Results update automatically as you type. No account is required.
Enter your debts
Monthly budget
The total amount you can put toward all debts each month. It must cover at least the sum of the minimum payments.
Your debts
Add each debt with its balance, interest rate and minimum monthly payment. Add or remove rows as needed.
Paying $800/mo, the avalanche method (highest rate first) clears your $19,000 of debt in 2y 3m with $2,455 of interest. The snowball method (smallest balance first) takes 2y 4m and costs $2,826 — so avalanche saves you $371.
Balance over time — snowball vs avalanche
Both start at your total balance and fall to zero. The lower, faster line clears your debt sooner and cheaper.
Balance schedule
Your total balance under each method, month by month or year by year, until you are debt-free.
| Month | Avalanche balance | Snowball balance |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,402.50 | $18,402.50 |
| 2 | $17,796.56 | $17,799.31 |
| 3 | $17,182.03 | $17,190.36 |
| 4 | $16,558.79 | $16,575.60 |
| 5 | $15,926.68 | $15,954.96 |
| 6 | $15,285.56 | $15,328.39 |
| 7 | $14,635.29 | $14,695.83 |
| 8 | $13,975.71 | $14,057.20 |
| 9 | $13,306.68 | $13,412.44 |
| 10 | $12,628.03 | $12,761.50 |
| 11 | $11,939.62 | $12,101.89 |
| 12 | $11,241.27 | $11,432.14 |
| 13 | $10,532.83 | $10,752.08 |
| 14 | $9,814.13 | $10,061.53 |
| 15 | $9,085.00 | $9,360.30 |
| 16 | $8,347.96 | $8,648.22 |
| 17 | $7,604.21 | $7,925.10 |
| 18 | $6,853.71 | $7,190.74 |
| 19 | $6,096.37 | $6,444.96 |
| 20 | $5,332.15 | $5,687.55 |
| 21 | $4,563.25 | $4,920.73 |
| 22 | $3,789.87 | $4,149.43 |
| 23 | $3,011.98 | $3,373.63 |
| 24 | $2,229.55 | $2,593.31 |
| 25 | $1,442.55 | $1,808.44 |
| 26 | $650.97 | $1,018.99 |
| 27 | $0.00 | $224.94 |
| 28 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
About the Debt Payoff Calculator
This calculator compares the two most popular debt payoff strategies — the avalanche and the snowball — using your real balances, interest rates, and a single monthly budget. It shows how many months each takes, how much interest each costs, and how much you save by choosing the mathematically optimal order.
Avalanche vs. snowball
Both methods pay the minimum on every debt, then throw all spare cash at one target debt. The avalanche targets the highest interest rate first, which minimizes total interest and is usually fastest. The snowball targets the smallest balance first, clearing individual debts quickly for motivating early wins. When one debt is cleared, its payment rolls into the next — the "snowball" effect — in both methods.
Which should you choose?
Avalanche saves the most money, so if you are driven by the numbers it is the clear pick. Snowball can cost a little more interest but delivers quick psychological wins that help many people stay the course. The best strategy is the one you will actually finish — this tool shows the true cost difference so you can decide with eyes open.
Getting the most from it
Enter every debt with its current balance, APR, and minimum payment, then set a realistic total monthly budget above the sum of your minimums. Even small increases to the budget dramatically shorten payoff time because more of each payment attacks principal. Revisit the plan whenever your budget or balances change.
Important disclaimer
⚠ Disclaimer: This calculator is for general education and planning only and is not financial advice. It assumes fixed interest rates, fixed minimum payments, no new borrowing, and consistent monthly payments. Real accounts may have variable rates, fees, or changing minimums. Confirm details with your lenders.
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Debt Payoff Calculator FAQ
What is the difference between the debt snowball and avalanche?
The avalanche method pays off the highest interest rate debt first to minimize total interest. The snowball method pays off the smallest balance first for quick motivating wins. Both pay minimums on everything else and roll freed-up payments to the next debt.
Which debt payoff method is best?
The avalanche saves the most money and time mathematically. The snowball can cost slightly more interest but its early wins help many people stay motivated. The best method is the one you will stick with — this tool shows the exact cost difference.
How much can the avalanche method save?
It depends on the spread between your interest rates and balances. When high-rate debts are large, avalanche can save a meaningful amount of interest and several months. When rates are similar, the two methods are nearly identical.
What monthly budget should I enter?
Enter the total you can consistently put toward all debts each month. It must be at least the sum of the minimum payments; anything above that accelerates payoff. If your budget is too low to cover minimums plus interest, the calculator will flag it.
Does paying more each month really help?
Yes, significantly. Because interest compounds on the remaining balance, extra payments attack principal directly and shorten the payoff dramatically — often saving far more than the extra amount itself.
Does this account for fees or rate changes?
No. It assumes fixed rates, fixed minimums, and no new charges, which is standard for planning. Real accounts may differ, so treat the results as a close estimate and confirm details with your lenders.
Is this debt payoff calculator free?
Yes. It is free, requires no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser.