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Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche Calculator

Compare two multiple-debt payoff orders while rolling freed payments into a fixed monthly budget.

Your numbers

Make it your own
Updates as you type
Months until all debts are paid
26

Calculated from your inputs · rounded for display

Snowball months26
Avalanche months26
Snowball total interest$1,656.54
Avalanche total interest$1,656.54

Balances and minimums are fixed-input estimates, with no new borrowing or fees. Snowball ordering uses current balances after minimums; APR ordering uses highest APR first.

Your calculation, step by step

No black boxes
  1. Monthly budget stays fixed at 500; freed minimum payments roll to the next debt.
  2. Interest is added monthly, then fixed minimums are paid. Remaining budget targets the lowest balance or highest APR.
Detailed results · 26 entries
MonthPaymentRemaining debtCumulative interest
1$500.00$10,635.00$135.00
2$500.00$10,263.98$263.98
3$500.00$9,886.82$386.82
4$500.00$9,503.43$503.43
5$500.00$9,113.70$613.70
6$500.00$8,717.52$717.52
7$500.00$8,314.78$814.78
8$500.00$7,905.36$905.36
9$500.00$7,489.15$989.15
10$500.00$7,066.03$1,066.03
11$500.00$6,636.69$1,136.69
12$500.00$6,203.05$1,203.05
13$500.00$5,765.08$1,265.08
14$500.00$5,322.73$1,322.73
15$500.00$4,875.96$1,375.96
16$500.00$4,424.72$1,424.72
17$500.00$3,968.97$1,468.97
18$500.00$3,508.66$1,508.66
19$500.00$3,043.74$1,543.74
20$500.00$2,574.18$1,574.18
21$500.00$2,099.92$1,599.92
22$500.00$1,620.92$1,620.92
23$500.00$1,137.13$1,637.13
24$500.00$648.50$1,648.50
25$500.00$154.99$1,654.99
26$156.54$0.00$1,656.54

What if things were different?

Save up to three scenarios, then change your inputs to compare the possibilities.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your own values in the labeled fields. Check the units and assumptions before comparing results. Only the fields needed for your selected calculation mode are shown.
  2. Your answer updates automatically. Review the calculation steps to see exactly how it was calculated.
  3. Copy, share, save, or download your result. Saved inputs stay on this device.

How the calculation works

Monthly balance = previous balance × (1 + APR/1200) − allocated payment

Each month first adds interest and pays fixed minimums, then directs the remaining budget to the selected target. The full budget stays available after a debt is paid. No new borrowing, fees or changing minimum percentages are modeled. Review the units, period and assumptions before comparing scenarios. Displayed values are rounded, while the underlying calculation retains its available precision.

A worked example

For $100 and $200 debts at 0% with fixed minimums of $10 and a $100 total budget, both strategies clear all $300 in 3 months.

Reading your result

Use the main result together with its units and supporting figures. Display values are rounded; calculations keep their underlying precision. A change in inputs or assumptions can change the answer. Compare the step-by-step working with your intended use before relying on an estimate.

Frequently asked questions

What assumptions does this calculation use?

Each month first adds interest and pays fixed minimums, then directs the remaining budget to the selected target. The full budget stays available after a debt is paid. No new borrowing, fees or changing minimum percentages are modeled.

Can I save or check a scenario?

The result includes the working and supporting values. Save and Restore keep inputs on this device; Copy, Download and Print export the result. Sharing a scenario explicitly includes the inputs in its link.

Sources & methodology

This calculator uses the mathematical identity and assumptions stated above. No current rates, prices, or external data are loaded. Conversion tools use international unit definitions.

Formula review: October 24, 2026. Read our methodology.