Debt Snowball Calculator
Snowball vs avalanche payoff plans: months, interest and debt-free date for every debt.
About this tool
Enter each debt with balance, APR and minimum payment, set the total you can pay each month, and see three plans side by side: snowball, avalanche and minimums-only โ each with the debt-free date, total interest and the order accounts are cleared. Debts are saved in this browser.
Choosing a payoff strategy
Both strategies pay every minimum and put all the spare money on one debt at a time; they differ only in which. The avalanche targets the highest interest rate and is always the cheapest in total. The snowball targets the smallest balance so the first account is closed within months, and research on debt repayment finds that this visible progress keeps more people going to the end โ which is why it is the more recommended plan even though it costs a little more. The calculator shows the gap, and for most real debt lists it is small compared with the effect of adding another 50 a month. The minimums-only column is the warning: with revolving balances it often runs for decades. The model compounds monthly at APR/12; a 0% promotional balance can be entered at 0. General information, not financial advice โ if the budget will not cover the minimums, a free debt-advice service is the first call, not a calculator. The credit card payoff calculator goes deeper on a single card, the budget planner finds the extra, and the loan calculator prices a consolidation loan against these plans.
Frequently asked questions
Snowball or avalanche โ which should I pick?
Avalanche if you are disciplined and the rate gap is wide; snowball if you need early wins. The tool shows the interest difference so you can decide with the number in front of you.
What if I get a 0% balance transfer?
Enter that balance at 0% APR (and remember the transfer fee). The avalanche will naturally leave it until last.
Does it include mortgages?
It can, but most people leave the mortgage out and focus on unsecured debt; add it only if you want to see the full picture.
Is my debt list stored anywhere?
Only in this browser's local storage, so it is there next month. Nothing is uploaded; clear site data to remove it.