ConvertOnlineDebt Payoff Calculator: Avalanche vs. Snowball
Report source: https://convertonline.org/calculators/debt-payoff-calculator
Compare two repayment orders while keeping the same total monthly budget. Avalanche prioritizes the highest APR; snowball prioritizes the smallest current balance.
Calculations run in your browser. Your balances, account labels, and other financial inputs are not uploaded or stored.
Debt Payoff Calculator
Debt payoff strategy comparison
Detailed results
Swipe or scroll horizontally to see every column.
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How the debt payoff calculator works
Monthly interest accrues first. Required minimums are paid next, and every remaining budget dollar goes to the active avalanche or snowball target.
When a debt is cleared, its released payment stays in the monthly budget and rolls to the next target.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the balances, rates, payments, and dates from your latest statements.
- Review optional assumptions, then compare the primary result and total cost.
- Open the schedule to verify the payoff path before printing or saving a PDF.
Assumptions and limitations
- Rates and minimum payments remain fixed.
- No new borrowing, late fees, settlements, or missed payments are included.
- Avalanche ties use the lower balance; snowball ties use the higher APR, then the original row order.
Sources and further reading
Worked example
Example: three debts with a $450 budget
For balances of $1,000 at 5%, $3,000 at 25%, and $5,000 at 10%, avalanche targets the 25% card first.
The modeled avalanche clears the debts in about 23 months and saves roughly $189 in interest versus snowball.
Frequently asked questions
Which method saves more interest?
Avalanche generally minimizes modeled interest because extra money goes to the highest APR first.
Why choose debt snowball?
Snowball can create earlier small-balance wins, which some people find easier to maintain.
Can I enter only minimum payments?
Yes, but the total budget must cover all minimums and each plan must reduce the balances within 1,200 months.
This calculator provides an estimate for planning and education. It is not a lender disclosure, credit counseling, legal advice, tax advice, or a promise of eligibility or savings.