Compare snowball and avalanche strategies across multiple debts, recycling payments as balances are cleared.
USD inputs · transparent calculation assumptions
Instant updates as inputs change
Data is calculated in this browser only
USD inputs · transparent calculation assumptions
Avalanche interest saved vs snowball$0.00
Snowball payoff time
32 months
Avalanche payoff time
32 months
Snowball total interest
$2,250.20
Avalanche total interest
$2,250.20
Minimum-only payoff time (no rollover)
62 months
Minimum-only interest
$5,002.52
Monthly rollover budget
$550.00
Calculation notes
Understand the Debt snowball & avalanche calculator
Pay each active debt’s minimum first. Snowball directs remaining budget to the smallest balance; avalanche targets the highest APR. Cleared debt payments and unused payoff money roll to the next debt. The calculation runs locally and keeps cash-flow timing consistent with the stated assumptions.
Formula and logic
How do snowball and avalanche debt repayment strategies allocate payments?
Pay each active debt’s minimum first. Snowball directs remaining budget to the smallest balance; avalanche targets the highest APR. Cleared debt payments and unused payoff money roll to the next debt.
Worked example
What is the monthly budget for debts with $150 and $200 minimums plus $200 extra?
A $5,000 card at 22% with a $150 minimum and a $10,000 loan at 8% with a $200 minimum, plus $200 extra, produce a $550 monthly rollover budget until all debts are cleared.
How to read the result
Which debt strategy prioritizes the lowest balance versus highest APR?
Snowball can create earlier small wins; avalanche usually prioritizes interest efficiency.
The minimum-only comparison deliberately does not recycle cleared minimum payments.
Limits and assumptions
Does the debt strategy comparison include changing minimums or new borrowing?
Uses fixed minimum amounts and monthly interest, no new borrowing, fees, promotions or changing contractual minimums. Results assume the rollover budget stays available every month.