Debt snowball vs avalanche calculator
Enter your debts once to see the real difference between starting with the smallest balance and starting with the highest rate.
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Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
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
Both plans run on the same budget (sum of minimums + extra). Difference = snowball interest − avalanche interest.
Example
Inputs: Extra monthly amount above the minimums = 200. Result: Interest saved by the avalanche: 0.00; Snowball time: 23 months; Avalanche time: 23 months.
Limits and caveats
- Assumes fixed rates and a fixed monthly budget throughout.
- The difference is zero when the smallest debt also has the highest rate.
Questions about this tool
If the gap is small, which should I pick?
The one you will stick with. Many people prefer the snowball because seeing a debt disappear keeps them going.
Why is the time the same but the interest different?
The budget is the same, so the time is close, but where the money goes changes the interest.
What is the number in brackets?
The month in which that debt is fully paid under each plan.