Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Payoff Calculator
Enter your total debt, average interest rate, and monthly payment to compare how the snowball and avalanche strategies play out over time.
About this calculator
Compare the snowball (smallest balance first) and avalanche (highest interest first) debt payoff strategies to see which saves more money and time for your specific debts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between snowball and avalanche methods?
Snowball pays off smallest balances first for psychological wins; avalanche pays off highest interest rate debts first to minimize total interest paid.
Which method saves more money?
Avalanche almost always saves more in total interest since it targets the most expensive debt first, though the difference shrinks when interest rates are similar across debts.
Which method should I choose?
If you need motivation from quick wins, snowball may help you stick with the plan. If you want to minimize cost, avalanche is mathematically better.