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Snowball or avalanche?

Compare two ways to pay off up to five debts. See the payoff order, time to debt-free, and estimated interest for each strategy.

Same monthly budget, two different priorities.
Snowball starts with the smallest balance. Avalanche starts with the highest interest rate.

Enter your debts

Use current balances and required minimum payments.

Amount you can add on top of all minimum payments. Enter 0 if none.

Your comparison

Snowball

Quick wins first: smallest balance to largest.

Debt-free in—
Total interest—

Estimated payoff order

    Avalanche

    Lower cost first: highest interest rate to lowest.

    Debt-free in—
    Total interest—

    Estimated payoff order

      Explain these results

      For informational purposes only. Estimates assume rates and monthly payments stay the same, interest is added monthly, and no new charges or fees are added. Actual payoff timing may differ by lender.

      This calculator is for informational purposes only and is not financial advice. Estimates may differ from lender statements because of payment timing, compounding methods, fees, and rate changes.

      Last reviewed: October 2026.