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Debt snowball vs avalanche calculator

Both methods pay every minimum and put extra money on one debt at a time. Snowball picks the smallest balance; avalanche picks the highest interest rate.

Reviewed by Alex Thomas · Updated Nov 5, 2026

Avalanche saves $17.83 in interest; snowball clears your first debt sooner. Either way, you're debt-free in about 23 months.

Debt 1

Debt 2

Debt 3

Avalanche · Total interest

$2,102.77

Highest APR first

Debt-free in23 months
Payoff orderDebt 3 → Debt 1 → Debt 2

Snowball · Total interest

$2,120.60

Smallest balance first

Debt-free in23 months
Payoff orderDebt 1 → Debt 3 → Debt 2

Assumes no new charges and fixed APRs. When a debt is paid off, its minimum rolls into the next one.

Ask members who've been there

Questions

Is the snowball or avalanche method better?
Avalanche costs less because it attacks the most expensive debt first. Snowball gives quicker wins by clearing small balances, which helps some people stick with it.
How does the debt snowball work?
Pay the minimum on everything and put any extra money on the smallest debt. When it's gone, add its payment to the next smallest, and keep rolling.
Should I consolidate instead?
A balance transfer or consolidation loan can lower your rate, but compare fees and the rate after any promotion. Our balance transfer calculator helps with that.

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Sources

  1. CFPB — How to reduce your debtconsumerfinance.gov
  2. CFPB — How does my credit card company calculate interest?consumerfinance.gov

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