Debt Avalanche vs. Snowball Calculator

Mathematically, the avalanche (highest interest rate first) always costs less in total interest. The snowball (smallest balance first) usually clears its first debt sooner, which many people find more motivating. Research on real debt accounts found that closing an account — any account — predicted eventually clearing all debt, so if quick wins keep you consistent, the snowball's slightly higher cost can be worth it.

Each simulated month it applies interest, pays every minimum, then sends your extra payment (plus the minimums freed up from debts you've already cleared) to one target debt: the highest APR for avalanche, the smallest balance for snowball. It repeats until every balance is zero.

Then both strategies produce the same result — with no extra payment there is nothing to prioritize. The avalanche/snowball choice only matters once you pay more than the minimums.

It means a debt's minimum payment is smaller than one month of interest, so the balance grows even while you pay. That debt can never be cleared at the current payment — you need to pay more than the monthly interest charge.

Yes. It assumes no new charges. New spending while paying down debt will change every number, usually for the worse.

Most US credit cards accrue interest daily, but monthly compounding at APR ÷ 12 is a very close approximation and matches how payoff timelines are conventionally quoted. Treat results as planning estimates, not bank statements.