Free tool
Debt snowball vs avalanche calculator
Enter your debts and how much extra you can put toward them each month. We'll simulate both popular payoff strategies and show which one clears your debt faster and which saves the most interest.
Your debts
Total debt entered: $22,000 across 3 debts.
❄️ Debt snowball (smallest balance first)
- Time to debt-free
- 2 yr 11 mo
- Total interest paid
- $4,135
Payoff order: Personal loan → Credit card A → Car loan
Targets the smallest balance first for quick, motivating wins.
🏔️ Debt avalanche (highest APR first)
- Time to debt-free
- 2 yr 11 mo
- Total interest paid
- $3,675
Payoff order: Credit card A → Personal loan → Car loan
Targets the highest interest rate first to minimize interest.
The avalanche method saves about $460 in interest (both clear in about the same time). Snowball can still be the better choice if early wins help you stay consistent.
How each method works
Both methods pay the minimum on every debt. The difference is where the extra money goes. The snowball sends it to the smallest balance first, clearing individual debts quickly for motivation. The avalanche sends it to the highest interest rate first, which mathematically minimizes the total interest you pay.
As each debt is cleared, its payment "rolls over" onto the next target, so your total monthly payment stays the same and momentum builds.
Choosing what fits you
If the interest rates on your debts are similar, the two methods finish close together — so the snowball's quick wins make it a fine pick. When one debt has a much higher rate, the avalanche can save meaningfully more.
For more on the bigger picture, see our budgeting guide and the credit card payoff calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the snowball and avalanche methods?
The snowball method pays off the smallest balance first for quick motivation. The avalanche method pays off the highest interest rate first to minimize total interest. Both pay minimums on every other debt.
Which debt payoff method is better?
The avalanche method almost always costs less in total interest. The snowball method can be better in practice if its early wins help you stay consistent. This tool shows the real difference for your specific debts.
How does the comparator estimate payoff time?
It simulates each month: interest is added, minimum payments are made on every debt, and all remaining money (your extra payment plus any freed-up minimums) goes to the target debt until everything is cleared.
Does it account for new spending or fees?
No. It assumes fixed interest rates, no new charges, and that you keep your total monthly payment steady. It is a planning estimate, not a guarantee.