Add your debts, choose your strategy, and see exactly when you will be debt-free — and how much interest you will save.
Each debt cleared in order. The freed payment rolls into the next one automatically.
Both methods share the same core mechanic: make minimum payments on all debts, then throw every extra dollar at one debt at a time. The only difference is which debt you target first.
| Factor | Avalanche | Snowball |
|---|---|---|
| Priority | Highest interest rate first | Smallest balance first |
| Total interest paid | Lowest possible | Higher than avalanche |
| First payoff speed | Slower if high-rate debt is large | Faster early wins |
| Best for | Minimising total cost | Staying motivated |
Avalanche saves the most money mathematically. But research in behavioural finance consistently shows that motivation matters as much as maths — a plan you stick to beats a perfect plan you abandon. Use the calculator above to see the exact difference on your own debts, then choose accordingly.
Enter your debts above to see avalanche vs snowball side by side.
The monthly extra payment is the single most powerful lever in any debt payoff plan. On a $10,000 credit card at 20% APR with a $200 minimum, paying only minimums takes 94 months and costs around $8,800 in interest. Adding just $100/month extra cuts that to 47 months and saves over $5,000.
Every extra dollar you put in stops high-rate debt compounding immediately. Even $50/month extra has an outsized effect on your timeline. Read more: Simple vs Compound Interest Explained
Your minimum payment is the lowest amount your lender requires each month to keep your account in good standing. It typically covers interest plus a small amount of principal. On high-rate debt, most of each minimum payment goes to interest — which is why balances barely shrink when you only pay minimums.
Add your debts and extra payment above.
The avalanche method targets the debt with the highest interest rate first. Make minimum payments on everything else and put all extra money toward the highest-rate debt. Once cleared, roll that payment into the next highest rate. This saves the most money in interest overall.
The snowball method targets the smallest balance first regardless of interest rate. Quick payoffs build momentum and motivation. Once a debt is cleared, you roll its payment into the next smallest balance. It typically costs more in interest than avalanche but works well psychologically.
Avalanche saves more money. Snowball builds more motivation. The best method is the one you will actually stick to. Use the calculator above to see the exact difference in interest and timeline on your specific debts — then choose accordingly.
Any amount above your minimums accelerates payoff significantly. Even $50–100/month extra can save thousands in interest and shave years off your timeline. The calculator shows exactly what your specific extra amount does to your debt-free date.
Yes — it uses monthly compounding based on each debt's annual interest rate. This closely mirrors how most credit cards and loans calculate interest and gives a very accurate payoff estimate.
The Financial Health Score assesses debt, saving, budgeting, income, and mindset in 60 seconds.