Debt payoff strategy comparison
Debt snowball vs. avalanche calculator
Compare estimated payoff time and interest for debt snowball and avalanche strategies using your balances, APRs, minimum payments, and extra monthly budget.
Compare two payoff orders using your own assumptions. Values stay in this browser; this estimate is not a recommendation or a promise of results.
Enter at least two debts and compare.
Use the current required minimum for each debt. The tool assumes fixed APRs and minimums, monthly interest (APR ÷ 12), no new borrowing, fees, missed payments, or payment timing differences. When a debt is paid, any unused planned payment rolls to the next target. Actual terms and issuer calculations control.
How to read the comparison
Both estimates pay each listed minimum first, then direct the extra amount to one target debt. Snowball targets the smallest current balance; avalanche targets the highest APR. The result shows the modeled payoff months and interest under the same monthly budget. A result is only as useful as its assumptions, and personal circumstances may affect which approach is manageable.
The CFPB describes both paying the highest-interest debt first and paying smaller debts first as ways to organize repayment. Its credit-card guidance also explains that payoff estimates assume no additional charges. Reviewed November 3, 2026.
For one balance, use the debt payoff calculator. For moving eligible card balances, read the balance transfer vs. debt consolidation comparison.
How it works
Enter each debt's balance, annual percentage rate, and fixed monthly minimum, then add any extra monthly amount available across all debts. The calculator compares the smallest-balance-first and highest-APR-first orders.
Good to know
How do snowball and avalanche differ?
Both approaches keep the stated minimum payment going to each debt and direct extra money to one target at a time. Snowball targets the smallest balance first; avalanche targets the highest APR first. This page compares estimates under those rules and does not choose a strategy for you.
What assumptions affect the estimate?
The estimate applies interest monthly at APR divided by 12, uses fixed minimum payments and APRs, assumes no new charges, fees, missed payments, or promotional-rate changes, and rolls money freed from paid debts to the next target. Actual creditor calculations, minimum formulas, payment timing, and terms can differ.
What if a minimum payment does not cover interest?
The calculator asks you to correct that input rather than project a payoff. If you are having trouble making payments, contact creditors promptly about hardship options and consider a nonprofit credit counselor; see the CFPB source linked below.
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