Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator (Payoff + Interest Saved) | DebtClarityTools
Debt Clarity Tools

Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator

Compare the debt snowball method and the debt avalanche method: payoff order, payoff time, and interest saved using snowball vs avalanche.

Your Debts

Balances, APRs, minimums, and optional extra monthly amount.

Debt name Balance ($) APR (%) Minimum ($)
Tip: Add 2–4 debts. Enter balances, APR, minimums, and your extra monthly amount.
Assumptions: interest compounds monthly, payments are made monthly, no new charges are added, and minimum payments stay constant.

Results Dashboard

Payoff time, interest, payoff date, and payoff order for each method.

Debt Snowball
Smallest balance first
Payoff time
—
Total interest
—
Payoff date
—
Payoff priority (extra goes here first)
    Debt Avalanche
    Highest APR first
    Payoff time
    —
    Total interest
    —
    Payoff date
    —
    Payoff priority (extra goes here first)
      Quick takeaway
      —

      Your Strategy Won't Work If You're Making These Mistakes First.

      Before choosing Snowball or Avalanche, most people are already making mistakes
      that slow both methods down. This free guide shows you what to fix first.

      • Why the method matters less than the mistake you're already making
      • The setup error that makes both strategies feel like they're not working
      • Instant PDF download — no credit card required
      Free Guide Sample
      Download My Free Guide →

      Month-by-Month Payoff Schedules

      Totals across all debts per month (no sideways scrolling on mobile).

      Graph

      Here's a visual breakdown of your payoff timeline

      Want to see how extra payments change your timeline? Try the Loan Extra Payment Calculator.

      Your Snowball vs Avalanche Results — Speed vs Interest Tradeoff

      Compare payoff strategies side-by-side and choose the one that fits your motivation and your math.

      • ⚖️ Two strategies, two outcomes
        Using your inputs, the calculator shows which payoff method finishes sooner and which minimizes total interest.
      • 🧠 Motivation vs math tradeoff
        Your results highlight the tradeoff: Snowball may deliver faster early wins, while Avalanche typically reduces total interest. The better choice is the one you’re most likely to stick with.
      • 📊 How strategy choice changes results
        Micro-example: With two debts, Snowball may eliminate a smaller balance first, while Avalanche targets the higher rate. Your exact payoff months and interest totals are shown above.

      If you want a clear next step based on these results…

      Snowball vs Avalanche Mini Guide cover

      Ready to Stop Debating and Start Paying?

      Your calculator showed Snowball vs. Avalanche. This guide shows you how to lock in the right one and stick with it.

      The Snowball vs. Avalanche Mini Guide ($7) gives you:

      • ✓ The 90-Day Lock Rule — ends the debate and protects your momentum
      • ✓ A quick decision rule: when to pick Snowball vs. Avalanche in 30 seconds
      • ✓ The One-Target Rule so all your extra money goes to the right debt
      • ✓ Simple 2-number monthly tracking (no spreadsheet needed)
      • ✓ Automation setup so payments roll forward automatically
      Unlock the Mini Guide ($7)
      Instant PDF download • Slide-in checkout • No subscription

      For educational planning only — not financial advice.

      Snowball vs Avalanche Explained: Momentum vs Math

      What the Snowball Method Optimizes For

      The Snowball method prioritizes paying off the smallest balance first. It is designed to build momentum through quick wins, which can help people stay consistent over time.

      What the Avalanche Method Optimizes For

      The Avalanche method prioritizes paying off the highest interest rate first. It is designed to minimize total interest cost and is typically the most efficient approach mathematically.

      What This Calculator Assumes

      This calculator assumes consistent monthly payments and no new debt. Real-life results can change if balances increase, rates change, or payments vary. Use it to compare strategies and choose the approach you can realistically maintain.

      Ready to act on what you just learned? The step-by-step mini guide gives you a 10-minute action plan based on your results.

      Get it for $7 →

      FAQ

      What is the difference between the debt snowball and debt avalanche methods?
      The Snowball method prioritizes paying off the smallest balances first to build momentum. The Avalanche method focuses on paying debts with the highest interest rates first to reduce total interest paid.
      Which debt payoff method saves the most money?
      In most cases, the Avalanche method saves more interest because it targets higher rates first. However, results depend on your balances, interest rates, and payment amount.
      Which method gets me debt-free faster?
      Either method can reach zero faster depending on your specific debts. This calculator compares payoff timelines side by side using your numbers so you can see which approach finishes sooner.
      Why does the Snowball method feel easier to stick with?
      Snowball provides quick wins by eliminating smaller balances early. Seeing debts disappear can boost motivation and make it easier to stay consistent with your plan.
      Why does the Avalanche method often reduce interest paid?
      By focusing on the highest-interest debts first, Avalanche reduces how much interest accrues over time. This can lower the total cost of repayment, especially with high APR balances.
      Does switching methods change my total payoff time?
      Yes. Changing methods can affect both your payoff timeline and total interest. This calculator shows how switching strategies impacts your results without changing your monthly payment.
      Can I use Snowball or Avalanche with credit cards and loans together?
      Yes. The calculator works with both revolving credit (like credit cards) and installment loans, allowing you to compare payoff strategies across all your debts at once.
      How do I know which method is right for me?
      The best method is the one you can maintain consistently. Use this calculator to compare timelines and interest savings, then choose the approach that aligns with your motivation and financial goals.
      Free Guide: 5 Debt Payoff Mistakes to Avoid

      Still here? That means you're serious about getting out of debt.

      Most people use the calculator and leave. You stayed. This free 7-page guide is for people like you — it covers the 5 mistakes that quietly kill payoff progress before it even starts.

      • The mistake that keeps balances high even with consistent payments
      • Why most people pick the wrong starting point
      • What to fix before you change anything else
      • Instant PDF — no credit card, no account required
      Download My Free Guide →