Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche
Build a payoff plan across all your debts and compare the avalanche and snowball methods.
Your debts
Your payoff plan
Debt-free in about
2 yr 6 mo
Paying minimums on everything plus $300/month extra (avalanche order) clears $20,500 of debt in 2 yr 6 mo, with $2,704 of total interest.
- Total interest you'll pay
- $2,704
- Snowball would cost
- $0 more
- Payoff order
- Credit card → Car loan
What this may mean for you
For your debts the two methods land within $0 of each other — pick whichever feels easier to stick with. The extra payment amount matters far more than the order.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and may not reflect your complete financial or tax situation.
Understanding this calculator
Both classic payoff methods work the same way mechanically — pay minimums on everything, aim every spare dollar at one target debt, and roll each freed-up minimum into the next target. They differ only in the order. Avalanche targets the highest APR first and always wins on total interest. Snowball targets the smallest balance first and wins on momentum: quick early payoffs keep people going.
The honest advice: the best method is the one you'll stick with, and the gap between them is usually smaller than the gain from adding even $50 more per month. Run both here and look at the difference before choosing.
Assumptions and methodology
- Monthly simulation: interest accrues at each debt's APR ÷ 12, minimums are paid, then the extra payment (plus freed-up minimums) goes to the target debt in the chosen order.
- Assumes fixed APRs and no new charges; a plan that can't cover accruing interest is flagged rather than shown as payable.
Official sources
Last reviewed August 30, 2026. Year-specific figures show their tax or data year in the tool; data is reviewed when the IRS, SSA, and CMS publish annual updates.
Common questions
Avalanche or snowball?
Avalanche if you're motivated by math, snowball if you're motivated by wins. The calculator shows the exact interest difference for your debts so you can decide with real numbers.
Should I pay off debt before saving for retirement?
Common ground: always capture an employer match first, attack high-APR debt (credit cards) aggressively, and treat low-rate debt as a judgment call alongside investing.
Keep going
- Auto LoanEstimate your monthly car payment and the true total cost of the loan, including tax and fees.Calculator
- Mortgage PayoffSee how extra monthly or one-time payments shorten your mortgage and cut total interest.Calculator
- Emergency FundSet a right-sized emergency fund target and see how long it will take to get there.Calculator
Want a second set of eyes on this?
If you'd like to talk through what these numbers mean for your situation, you can schedule a free, no-pressure conversation. No products, no pitch — just questions answered.