Debt avalanche calculator
Pay every minimum and put the rest on the highest-rate debt, then the next. Mathematically this keeps interest to a minimum.
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How to use it
- Enter debts: one per line (name, balance, apr %, minimum payment) and extra monthly amount above the minimums.
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Monthly budget = sum of minimums + extra. Each month: interest is added to each debt (balance × APR ÷ 12), every minimum is paid, and the rest goes to the debt with the highest APR.
Example
Inputs: Extra monthly amount above the minimums = 200. Result: Time until debt free: 23 months; Total interest: 1,264.74; Total paid: 12,364.74.
Limits and caveats
- Assumes fixed rates, no new debt, and does not round to cents.
- When rates tie, the smaller balance goes first.
Questions about this tool
Does the avalanche always beat the snowball?
It costs the same or less interest in most cases, but the first debt can take longer to clear.
Why did another debt finish before the target?
Its minimum payment alone can clear a small debt before the highest-rate one is done.
Monthly or yearly rate?
Enter the yearly APR from your agreement; the calculator divides it by 12.