Debt Snowball / Avalanche Calculator

Compare debt snowball and avalanche payoff strategies. See which method saves the most interest and gets you debt-free fastest.

$

Debt-Free In

5 years 4 months

Total interest paid: $6,107.07

Minimum Only

9yr 8mo

$11,056.21 interest

Avalanche

5yr 4mo

$6,107.07 interest

Snowball

5yr 4mo

$6,107.07 interest

πŸ“‹ Payoff Order (Avalanche)

  1. Credit Card
  2. Car Loan
  3. Student Loan

Recommended Tools

LendingTree

Compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders. Get up to 5 offers in minutes.

Compare Mortgage Rates β†’

Bankrate

Find the best loan rates and financial products. Trusted by millions.

Check Today's Rates β†’

Credit Karma

Check your credit score for free and get personalized loan offers.

Check Your Score Free β†’

Rocket Mortgage

Get approved in minutes. America's largest mortgage lender.

Get Pre-Approved β†’

SoFi

Refinance student loans and mortgages at lower rates. No fees.

Check Your Rate β†’

NerdWallet

Compare credit cards, loans, and insurance. Free financial tools.

Compare Options β†’

We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Two Proven Strategies for Becoming Debt-Free

Both the snowball and avalanche methods work β€” they just prioritize differently. Our calculator runs both simultaneously so you can see the exact dollar difference and choose what fits your personality.

The Power of Extra Payments

The magic of both methods is channeling freed-up payments into the next debt. With $300/month in extra payments, you could become debt-free years earlier and save thousands in interest compared to paying minimums only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the debt snowball method?
The debt snowball pays off debts from smallest balance to largest, regardless of interest rate. Each time a debt is paid off, its payment rolls into the next smallest debt. It's motivating because you see debts disappear quickly.
What is the debt avalanche method?
The debt avalanche pays off debts from highest interest rate to lowest. This minimizes total interest paid and is mathematically optimal. However, it may take longer to see the first debt eliminated.
Which is better: snowball or avalanche?
Avalanche saves more money in interest. Snowball provides faster psychological wins. Studies show the best method is the one you'll stick with. If you need motivation, start with snowball. If you're disciplined, avalanche saves more.

Recommended Tools

LendingTree

Compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders. Get up to 5 offers in minutes.

Compare Mortgage Rates β†’

Bankrate

Find the best loan rates and financial products. Trusted by millions.

Check Today's Rates β†’

Credit Karma

Check your credit score for free and get personalized loan offers.

Check Your Score Free β†’

Rocket Mortgage

Get approved in minutes. America's largest mortgage lender.

Get Pre-Approved β†’

SoFi

Refinance student loans and mortgages at lower rates. No fees.

Check Your Rate β†’

NerdWallet

Compare credit cards, loans, and insurance. Free financial tools.

Compare Options β†’

We may earn a commission if you sign up through these links, at no extra cost to you.