Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche
Enter your debts and a monthly extra payment to see how the two most popular repayment strategies compare - which saves you the most money, and which gets you debt-free fastest.
Your Debts
4 debtsTotal monthly payment: $925 · minimums: $675 + extra: $250
Debt Snowball
Paid off in
4y 1mo
Total interest paid
$11,594
Debt Avalanche
Paid off in
3y 11mo
Total interest paid
$9,739
Saves $1,855 in interest vs Snowball
2 months faster than Snowball
Strategy Comparison
Avalanche saves
$1,855
in total interest
Avalanche is the clear winner - it finishes faster and saves more money.
Repayment Timeline
Total remaining debt balance each month. As debts are eliminated, freed payments accelerate the remaining balances.
Debt Snowball
Psychological momentum
Pay off debts from smallest balance to largest. Each time a debt is cleared, the freed-up payment rolls forward - like a growing snowball. The frequent "wins" keep you motivated and on track.
✓ Best for: motivation & consistency
✗ Trade-off: pays $1,855 more interest
Debt Avalanche
Mathematically optimal
Attack debts with the highest interest rate first. This minimizes the total interest you pay over time, making it the most mathematically efficient strategy - even if it takes longer to see your first debt fully cleared.
✓ Best for: saving $1,855 in interest
✗ Trade-off: slower psychological wins
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or professional advice. Results are estimates based on simplified assumptions: interest compounds monthly on the outstanding balance, and the same extra payment amount is applied every month. Actual results may vary based on your lender's compounding schedule, statement dates, and other factors not captured here.
The "minimum payment" for credit cards in real life changes month-to-month as your balance decreases; this tool uses a fixed minimum for simplicity. Always verify repayment details with your lender. Please consult a qualified financial professional before making debt management decisions.
Privacy: All calculations are performed entirely in your browser. No personal or financial data is collected, stored, or transmitted to any server.