Debt Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
Enter your debts and one monthly payment budget. We run both the avalanche (highest rate first) and snowball (smallest balance first) strategies and show which clears your debt for less.
Tools to automate debt payoff and track progress
Learn moreSnowball vs avalanche, in one line
The avalanche targets your highest-interest debt first and always pays the least total interest. The snowball targets the smallest balance first for quick psychological wins. The math favors avalanche; behavior often favors snowball — pick the one you’ll actually finish.
How it’s calculated & sources
We simulate month by month: interest accrues on each balance, a minimum (2% of the balance, floor $25) is paid on every debt, and the remainder of your budget is thrown at the target debt for that strategy. Avalanche orders by APR (highest first); snowball orders by balance (smallest first).
Benchmark: the interest-minimizing order (avalanche). Method follows the standard debt-payoff simulation used by the CFPB and major payoff tools.
Results update as you type and are general estimates, not personalized financial, tax, medical or legal advice. Verify with a professional.
Worked example
On $21,500 across cards at 24%, 18% and 7% with $700/month, the avalanche clears the 24% card first and typically saves a few hundred dollars in interest versus the snowball — while finishing around the same time.
Frequently asked questions
Which method is better?
Avalanche saves the most money. Snowball clears individual debts faster, which keeps many people motivated. If the interest difference is small, momentum wins.
What minimum payment do you assume?
2% of the current balance with a $25 floor, recomputed each month — close to a typical credit-card minimum. Your real minimums may differ.
Why does it say “payment too low”?
Your monthly budget is below the sum of the minimums, so the balances never fall. Increase the monthly amount.