Snowball vs Avalanche Calculator
Compare debt snowball vs avalanche methods side-by-side. See which strategy saves you more money and gets you debt-free faster.
Let's list your debts
No judgment here — just getting a clear picture.
Can you add any extra?
Even $20/month makes a real difference. But no pressure!
Added on top of your minimums each month
Tax refund, bonus, or gift?
Not sure yet? You can skip this step — we'll still show your payoff plan.
Here's how each strategy stacks up
Both will get you debt-free. Let's find your best fit.
Snowball
Smallest balance first
Debt-free by
Avalanche
Highest APR first
Debt-free by
Avalanche saves you more!
less in interest. That's real money!
Snowball saves you more!
less in interest. Plus you get those motivating quick wins!
Both strategies are equal for you!
Pick whichever feels right. Snowball for quick wins, Avalanche if you like optimization.
Balance over time: Snowball vs Avalanche
Both lines end at $0 — you'll be debt-free either way!
Which should you choose?
- You need motivation from quick wins
- You've struggled to stick with plans before
- You have several small debts to eliminate
- You're motivated by saving money
- You're disciplined and analytical
- You have high-interest debt dragging you down
The best strategy is the one you'll actually stick with. Both lead to freedom!
What if you only paid minimums?
Debt-free date
Total interest
Total months
By using a strategy + extra payments, you're doing so much better than this!
Snowball vs Avalanche: The complete picture
Both strategies work. Both will get you to debt freedom. The question is: which one fits how your brain works?
- ✓ Quick wins keep you motivated
- ✓ Simplifies bills faster
- ✓ Great if you need momentum
- ✓ Saves the most money
- ✓ Mathematically optimal
- ✓ Best for high-interest debt
When they produce the same result
Sometimes snowball and avalanche give identical results. This happens when:
- Your smallest debt also has the highest rate
- All your debts have similar interest rates
- You only have one or two debts
The real answer
The best debt payoff strategy is the one you'll actually follow. If quick wins keep you on track, use snowball. If saving money motivates you, use avalanche. Either way, you're making progress — and that's what matters.