Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche
Run both payoff strategies on the same debts, side by side. Everything is calculated locally in your browser — no data leaves your device.
Your debts
Add each balance, its annual rate (APR), and the minimum monthly payment. Interest compounds monthly at APR ÷ 12.
Snowball
Pay the smallest balance first, then roll that payment to the next smallest. Early wins build momentum.
Payoff time
–
Total interest
–
Total paid
–
Payoff order
| # | Debt | Paid off | Interest |
|---|
Full monthly schedule
| Mo | Payment | Interest (cum) | Balance | Retired |
|---|
Avalanche
Pay the highest APR first, then roll that payment to the next highest. Minimizes total interest.
Payoff time
–
Total interest
–
Total paid
–
Payoff order
| # | Debt | Paid off | Interest |
|---|
Full monthly schedule
| Mo | Payment | Interest (cum) | Balance | Retired |
|---|
How the math works
Both plans are simulated month by month on identical inputs. Only the payoff order changes.
- Interest accrues monthly at APR ÷ 12 on each remaining balance before the payment lands.
- Your total monthly payment is fixed: the sum of every minimum plus your extra amount.
- Each month every active debt receives its minimum; the remainder goes to the current target debt in payoff order.
- When a debt is retired, its minimum and extra roll to the next debt in the same order.
- Snowball targets the smallest balance first; avalanche targets the highest APR first.
- The model assumes payments stay constant, no new debt is added, and no fees or jurisdiction-specific rules apply.