Debt Avalanche vs Snowball Calculator

Compare debt payoff strategies: avalanche (highest rate first) vs snowball (smallest balance first) — see total interest and months.

Debt Avalanche vs Snowball Calculator

Compare debt payoff strategies: avalanche (highest rate first) vs snowball (smallest balance first) — see total interest and months.

Debt 1 balance($)

Debt 1 APR(%)

Debt 2 balance($)

Debt 2 APR(%)

Total monthly payment($)

Enter values above and click Calculate — results will appear here with the formula explained.

Simulate both orders month by month: avalanche pays high rate first, snowball low balance first. Compare total interest.

How does this work?

Avalanche minimizes interest by targeting high APR first, snowball gives quick wins by clearing small balances first. Both use same total payment, just allocation differs.

Simulation iterates month by month, paying minimums then extra to priority debt. Snowball may keep high-rate longer, costing more interest.

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Disclaimer: Results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional financial advice.

Quick Answer

Debt Avalanche vs Snowball Calculator computes compare debt payoff strategies: avalanche (highest rate first) vs snowball (smallest balance first) — see total interest and months. Formula: Simulate both orders month by month: avalanche pays high rate first, snowball low balance first. Example:.

How to Use This Calculator

1Enter two debts (balance and APR) and total monthly payment you can afford.
2Calculate to see avalanche vs snowball months and interest.
3If rates similar, snowball's psychological win may be worth small extra interest.

Formula Used

Simulate both orders month by month: avalanche pays high rate first, snowball low balance first. Compare total interest.

Avalanche minimizes interest by targeting high APR first, snowball gives quick wins by clearing small balances first. Both use same total payment, just allocation differs.

Simulation iterates month by month, paying minimums then extra to priority debt. Snowball may keep high-rate longer, costing more interest.

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Worked Example

With $5k at 22% and $8k at 7%, $600/mo: avalanche saves ~$400 interest vs snowball, but snowball clears $5k first in 9 months vs 14.

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Frequently Asked Questions

QWhich is better?

Avalanche saves interest, snowball wins psychologically. Choose what you will stick to.

QMore than 2 debts?

Model two largest/highest rate as proxy; full multi-debt spreadsheets give precise.

QMinimums?

This assumes you can allocate freely. Keep minimums covered, extra to priority.

Formula Used

Simulate both orders month by month: avalanche pays high rate first, snowball low balance first. Compare total interest.

Avalanche minimizes interest by targeting high APR first, snowball gives quick wins by clearing small balances first. Both use same total payment, just allocation differs.

Simulation iterates month by month, paying minimums then extra to priority debt. Snowball may keep high-rate longer, costing more interest.