Loans
Debt Payoff Calculator — Snowball vs Avalanche
There are two proven ways out of debt: the snowball (smallest balance first, for momentum) and the avalanche (highest rate first, for math). Enter up to three debts and one extra monthly amount to see both plans side by side — payoff order, debt-free date, and exactly what choosing motivation over math costs.
Set a balance to 0 to ignore that debt.
On top of all minimums — this is what powers the strategy.
Debt-free in (both strategies)
2 years 4 months
- Total debt
- $17,500
- Interest — Avalanche (highest APR first)
- $2,329
- Interest — Snowball (smallest balance first)
- $2,526
- Extra cost of choosing snowball
- $198
The avalanche's math advantage on your debts.
Payoff order
| Strategy | 1st payoff (month) | 2nd payoff (month) | Debt-free (month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avalanche | 12 | 15 | 28 |
| Snowball | 6 | 16 | 28 |
How this calculator works
Both strategies are simulated month by month in exact cents: interest accrues on each balance at APR ÷ 12, every debt receives its minimum, and the entire remaining budget attacks the target debt with rollover as debts are eliminated. Total budget stays constant throughout — the standard method.
The comparison is apples-to-apples: identical budget, identical rounding. Assumes fixed APRs and no new borrowing.
Try an example
Frequently asked questions
Snowball or avalanche — which is better?
Mathematically, the avalanche (highest APR first) always costs the same or less interest. Behaviorally, the snowball's quick first wins keep more people going — research on debt repayment consistently finds completion matters more than optimization. Run both above: when the difference is small, pick momentum.
How do the strategies actually work?
Both pay every minimum every month. All extra money attacks one target debt: the smallest balance (snowball) or the highest rate (avalanche). When a debt dies, its entire payment rolls into the next target — the 'snowball effect' that accelerates the endgame in both plans.
Should I consolidate instead?
A consolidation loan or 0% balance transfer can lower your average rate and simplify to one payment — effectively an avalanche with better numbers. It works when the new APR (including fees) beats your weighted average and you don't re-run the balances back up.
What if I can't pay more than the minimums?
The strategies need fuel — even $50 extra changes the math. If minimums alone don't cover interest, this calculator flags it: that's the signal to trim expenses, raise income, or talk to a nonprofit credit counselor (NFCC-affiliated) about a debt-management plan before balances spiral.
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Disclaimer: DayCents provides this calculator for educational purposes only. Results are estimates based on your inputs and the stated assumptions — they are not financial advice, a quote, or an offer of credit. Consult a qualified financial professional before making major money decisions.