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Debt Payoff Calculator

Compare the Debt Avalanche (highest APR first) versus Debt Snowball (lowest balance first) strategies to eliminate multiple debts efficiently.

$

Extra cash per month beyond the minimum payments.

Your Debts & Credit Cards
Total Debt: $14,300 Total Monthly Budget: $575/mo
Avalanche Interest Savings
$0
Saved in total interest by prioritizing high-APR debt first
Fastest Debt-Free Date
2y 7m (31 months)
Snowball requires 2y 7m
Debt Avalanche (Highest APR First) Lowest Cost
Time to Debt Freedom: 2y 7m
Total Interest Paid: $3,032
Total Cost to Zero: $17,332
Retirement Order: Store Card B → Credit Card A → Personal Loan C
Debt Snowball (Lowest Balance First) Quick Wins
Time to Debt Freedom: 2y 7m
Total Interest Paid: $3,032
Total Cost to Zero: $17,332
Retirement Order: Store Card B → Credit Card A → Personal Loan C

Strategy Decision Matrix

Comparison Metric Avalanche (APR First) Snowball (Balance First) Advantage
Payoff Duration 31 Months 31 Months Identical
Total Interest Paid $3,032 $3,032 $0 saved
Total Money Repaid $17,332 $17,332 $0 less out of pocket

Debt Avalanche vs. Debt Snowball: Which Is Right For You?

When juggling multiple credit cards, consumer loans, or medical debts, two disciplined acceleration strategies stand out. Both methods involve paying minimum payments on all accounts while dedicating all extra discretionary cash toward a single targeted debt.

Debt Avalanche (Mathematically Optimal)

Focuses on the debt with the highest interest rate (APR) first. Once that card is zeroed out, its payment rolls over into the card with the next highest rate.

• Minimizes total interest charges and mathematically ensures the fastest payoff.

Debt Snowball (Behavioral Momentum)

Focuses on the debt with the smallest balance first, regardless of interest rate. Once eliminated, you experience quick psychological wins that keep you motivated.

• Delivers quick emotional victories and simplifies your financial accounts faster.

The "Rollover" Secret

The true superpower of both methods is the rollover: when you eliminate Debt #1 (which had a $110 minimum), you do NOT spend that $110. You add that $110 directly to your payments on Debt #2. As each account is retired, your monthly repayment snowball grows exponentially larger, obliterating remaining balances at lightning speed.

Understanding your calculation

Method, example and limitations

How the calculation works

A multiple-debt payoff projection allocates available payments across balances using the chosen priority, then redirects released payments as debts are cleared.

Example to check

With zero interest, balances of 600 and 400 and a total monthly budget of 200 require five months in total if all payments reduce principal.

Before using the result

Avalanche and snowball priorities can change timing and interest. Meet all required minimums and include charges, rate changes and new borrowing when planning.

Calculation methodology · Report a result that needs review