Mixed debt example
Credit card $4,200 at 24.9%, card $1,200 at 21.9%, student loan $9,800 at 5.5%, auto loan $7,200 at 7.9%
Avalanche saves about $129 in this example.
Strategy guide
Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
Snowball prioritizes motivation. Avalanche prioritizes interest savings. Use the calculator to compare both methods with your actual balances, APRs, and extra monthly payment.
What the calculator shows
- Estimated debt-free month based on current balances.
- Total interest paid under the selected strategy.
- Month-by-month payoff schedule for planning and export.
- Side-by-side comparison between snowball and avalanche.
When to use snowball
Use snowball when motivation and follow-through matter more than purely minimizing interest. Quick wins can help you stay consistent.
When to use avalanche
Use avalanche when your priority is reducing cost and you can stay patient even if the first payoff takes longer.
How it works
List all debts
Enter each balance, minimum monthly payment, and APR.
Add extra monthly budget
Choose how much extra you can reliably pay after minimums.
Choose a strategy
Compare snowball, avalanche, or a custom priority order.
Review the payoff plan
Check payoff month, total interest, charts, and the monthly schedule.
Export or share
Download CSV or PDF, or share a link with the exact scenario.
Real-world examples
Credit-card-heavy example
Card A $3,500 at 22.9%, card B $1,800 at 19.9%, personal loan $6,500 at 12.5%
Avalanche gains more value when high-rate balances dominate.
Common snowball mistakes
- Ignoring very high APR debt for too long.
- Choosing an extra payment that is not sustainable.
- Forgetting to roll freed minimum payments into the next target debt.