Debt Snowball / Avalanche Calculator
Add all your debts and income sources to compare three payoff strategies side by side. See which approach saves the most interest and gets you debt-free fastest. The snowball method tackles the smallest balance first for quick wins, while the avalanche method targets the highest interest rate to minimize total cost.
Your Debts
Extra Monthly Payment
Amount above all minimum payments to throw at debt each month
Results
Total Debt
$45,000
Total Min Payments
$780
+ $200 extra
Best Strategy
Debt Snowball
Interest Saved (Best vs Worst)
$0
Strategy Comparison
| Strategy | Months | Interest | Total Paid | Payoff Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Debt SnowballBest | 4y 6mo | $6,803 | $51,803 | Credit Card → Car Loan → Student Loan |
| Debt Avalanche | 4y 6mo | $6,803 | $51,803 | Credit Card → Car Loan → Student Loan |
| Debt Mountain | 4y 6mo | $6,803 | $51,803 | Credit Card → Car Loan → Student Loan |
Strategy Comparison — Total Interest Paid
Balance Over Time by Strategy
How Each Strategy Works
Debt Snowball
Pay off the smallest balance first, regardless of interest rate. When a debt is eliminated, roll its payment into the next smallest. This creates quick wins that keep you motivated — you see debts disappear fast, which builds momentum.
Debt Avalanche
Pay off the highest interest rate first, regardless of balance. This is mathematically optimal — it minimizes the total interest you pay over time. It may take longer to see your first debt eliminated, but you save the most money.
Debt Mountain CalcMountain Original
Pay off debts by their balance-to-interest ratio— targeting debts where you're paying the most interest relative to what you owe. A $5,000 debt at 22% costs more per dollar than a $25,000 debt at 5%. This hybrid approach often matches or beats the avalanche while providing faster early wins than pure interest-rate ordering.
Bottom line:The best strategy is the one you'll stick with. If you need motivation, use Snowball. If you want to minimize cost, use Avalanche. Debt Mountain offers a smart middle ground that considers both factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
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