Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
Which payoff method should you test?
The best strategy is the one you can follow consistently, but the numbers are easier to compare side by side.
- Avalanche targets the highest APR first
- Snowball targets the smallest balance first
- Both should keep minimum payments active on every debt
- The calculator estimates payoff order, time, and interest
Snowball method
The debt snowball method pays extra toward the smallest balance first. It can create fast early wins, which may help motivation.
Avalanche method
The debt avalanche method pays extra toward the highest APR first. It often saves more interest when all other inputs stay the same.
Inputs to prepare
- Debt name
- Current balance
- APR
- Minimum payment
- Extra monthly payment available