Debt Payoff Calculator
Compare the avalanche and snowball methods across all your debts, and see exactly what an extra payment buys you.
Your details
Both are compared in the results either way
On top of all the minimums below
Debt 1
Debt 2
Debt 3
Debt 4
Debt 5
This calculator runs entirely on your device. Nothing you enter is uploaded, stored, or sold. How this works
Debt-free in
3 yrs 9 mo
Paying $1,200 a month — $7,810 of interest along the way
Includes your inputs, the full breakdown, and every row of the table.
Total balance
$46,100
Monthly payment
$1,200
$900 minimums + $300 extra
Total interest
$7,810
Total paid
$53,910
- What you owe now
- $46,100
- Sum of minimum payments
- $900
- Extra payment
- $300
- Total monthly payment
- $1,200
- Interest with this plan
- $7,810
- Interest paying minimums only
- $15,741
- Interest saved by the extra payment
- $7,931
- Time saved
- 2 yrs
| # | Debt | Paid off | Interest paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Store card | 7 mo | $207 |
| 2 | Credit card | 2 yrs | $2,602 |
| 3 | Car loan | 2 yrs 7 mo | $1,779 |
| 4 | Student loan | 3 yrs 9 mo | $3,221 |
What this means
- Avalanche costs $7,810 in interest and finishes in 3 yrs 9 mo. Snowball costs $7,810 and finishes in 3 yrs 9 mo.
- Both strategies cost about the same with these balances, so pick whichever you will actually stick to.
- Minimum payments are held constant rather than shrinking with the balance, which is how most people actually pay and slightly speeds up payoff versus a true revolving minimum.
How the debt payoff calculation works
There are two credible ways to attack multiple debts. The avalanche method targets the highest interest rate first and is mathematically optimal — it always costs the least in total interest. The snowball method targets the smallest balance first, clearing individual debts faster and giving you visible wins early.
The honest answer is that the gap between them is usually smaller than people assume, often a few hundred dollars across several years. If the snowball's early victories are what keep you paying, the motivational value can easily exceed the mathematical cost. This calculator runs both so you can see your own numbers rather than argue from principle.
The variable that dominates both is the extra payment. Look at the difference between your plan and the minimums-only line — that gap is almost always far larger than the difference between the two strategies, which is why the strategy debate matters less than simply paying more than the minimum.
One warning sign this calculator checks for: if your total payment is smaller than the interest accruing each month, no strategy works and the balance grows forever. That situation calls for a consolidation loan, a hardship programme, or credit counselling rather than a spreadsheet.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, snowball or avalanche?
Avalanche always costs less in interest. Snowball clears individual accounts faster. Run both above — if the difference is small, choose the one you will actually stick with.
Should I pay off debt or invest?
Compare the interest rate against a realistic after-tax investment return. Debt above about 8% is very hard to beat by investing, and paying it off is a guaranteed return. Always capture a full employer 401(k) match first.
Do minimum payments really shrink over time?
On credit cards, yes — they are typically a percentage of the balance. This calculator holds them fixed, which is what most people do and what pays the debt off faster.
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Disclaimer. This calculator is provided for general information and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, legal, medical, or engineering advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs you provide and the assumptions described above. Confirm any figure with a qualified professional before acting on it.