What is the Debt Avalanche method?

The Debt Avalanche method prioritizes paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, while making minimum payments on all other debts. Once the highest-rate debt is paid off, you roll that payment into attacking the next highest-rate debt. This method minimizes total interest paid and is mathematically optimal.

What is the Debt Snowball method?

The Debt Snowball method prioritizes paying off the smallest balance debts first, regardless of interest rate. This creates quick psychological wins that can build momentum and motivation. While you may pay slightly more in interest, the behavioral benefits often help people stick with their debt payoff plan.

Which debt payoff method should I choose?

If you're motivated by math and saving money, choose Avalanche. If you need quick wins to stay motivated, choose Snowball. Our calculator shows you exactly how much each method costs so you can make an informed decision. Some people even switch between methods as their situation changes.

What is payment rolling?

Payment rolling (or debt stacking) is when you take the monthly payment from a paid-off debt and add it to your payment for the next debt in line. This accelerates your payoff over time because your effective payment grows as each debt is eliminated.

How accurate are debt payoff calculations?

Our calculations assume fixed interest rates and consistent monthly payments. In reality, credit card rates can change, and you might make extra payments some months. Use these projections as a planning tool and roadmap, not as a guarantee.

What if I can only afford minimum payments?

Even with minimum payments only, having a strategy helps. The calculator shows your projected timeline. If it seems too long, look for ways to reduce expenses or increase income to add even $25-50 extra per month—small amounts compound significantly over time.

Free Debt Payoff Calculator - Avalanche vs Snowball

Choose Strategy

Avalanche

Pay highest interest rate first. Mathematically saves the most money.

Int: $1,366•2 yrs, 2 mos

Snowball

Quick Wins

Pay smallest balance first. Builds momentum with quick wins.

Int: $1,366•2 yrs, 2 mos

Extra Monthly Payment$100

NameBalanceAPRMin Pay

Name

Balance

APR

Min Pay

Debt-Free By

MAR2028

Total Interest$1,366

Monthly PMT$250

Interest Saved$1,67827 months faster

Payoff Timeline

Visualize your debts getting crushed

Multi-Line Chart Data
Series	Label	Value	Date
Credit Card	Jan 2026	$5,000	Jan 2026
Credit Card	Feb 2026	$4,845.792	Feb 2026
Credit Card	Mar 2026	$4,688.629	Mar 2026
Credit Card	Apr 2026	$4,528.456	Apr 2026
Credit Card	May 2026	$4,365.213	May 2026
Credit Card	Jun 2026	$4,198.844	Jun 2026
Credit Card	Jul 2026	$4,029.287	Jul 2026
Credit Card	Aug 2026	$3,856.481	Aug 2026
Credit Card	Sep 2026	$3,680.365	Sep 2026
Credit Card	Oct 2026	$3,500.875	Oct 2026
Credit Card	Nov 2026	$3,317.946	Nov 2026
Credit Card	Dec 2026	$3,131.512	Dec 2026
Credit Card	Jan 2027	$2,941.507	Jan 2027
Credit Card	Feb 2027	$2,747.861	Feb 2027
Credit Card	Mar 2027	$2,550.506	Mar 2027
Credit Card	Apr 2027	$2,349.369	Apr 2027
Credit Card	May 2027	$2,144.379	May 2027
Credit Card	Jun 2027	$1,935.462	Jun 2027
Credit Card	Jul 2027	$1,722.542	Jul 2027
Credit Card	Aug 2027	$1,505.543	Aug 2027
Credit Card	Sep 2027	$1,284.387	Sep 2027
Credit Card	Oct 2027	$1,058.994	Oct 2027
Credit Card	Nov 2027	$829.282	Nov 2027
Credit Card	Dec 2027	$595.17	Dec 2027
Credit Card	Jan 2028	$356.572	Jan 2028
Credit Card	Feb 2028	$113.404	Feb 2028
Credit Card	Mar 2028	$0	Mar 2028
Min Payment Only	Jan 2026	$5,000	Jan 2026
Min Payment Only	Feb 2026	$4,945.792	Feb 2026
Min Payment Only	Mar 2026	$4,890.545	Mar 2026
Min Payment Only	Apr 2026	$4,834.24	Apr 2026
Min Payment Only	May 2026	$4,776.856	May 2026
Min Payment Only	Jun 2026	$4,718.373	Jun 2026
Min Payment Only	Jul 2026	$4,658.769	Jul 2026
Min Payment Only	Aug 2026	$4,598.023	Aug 2026
Min Payment Only	Sep 2026	$4,536.114	Sep 2026
Min Payment Only	Oct 2026	$4,473.018	Oct 2026
Min Payment Only	Nov 2026	$4,408.714	Nov 2026
Min Payment Only	Dec 2026	$4,343.178	Dec 2026
Min Payment Only	Jan 2027	$4,276.386	Jan 2027
Min Payment Only	Feb 2027	$4,208.314	Feb 2027
Min Payment Only	Mar 2027	$4,138.939	Mar 2027
Min Payment Only	Apr 2027	$4,068.234	Apr 2027
Min Payment Only	May 2027	$3,996.175	May 2027
Min Payment Only	Jun 2027	$3,922.735	Jun 2027
Min Payment Only	Jul 2027	$3,847.888	Jul 2027
Min Payment Only	Aug 2027	$3,771.607	Aug 2027
Min Payment Only	Sep 2027	$3,693.865	Sep 2027
Min Payment Only	Oct 2027	$3,614.633	Oct 2027
Min Payment Only	Nov 2027	$3,533.884	Nov 2027
Min Payment Only	Dec 2027	$3,451.587	Dec 2027
Min Payment Only	Jan 2028	$3,367.714	Jan 2028
Min Payment Only	Feb 2028	$3,282.234	Feb 2028
Min Payment Only	Mar 2028	$3,195.116	Mar 2028
Min Payment Only	Apr 2028	$3,106.329	Apr 2028
Min Payment Only	May 2028	$3,015.841	May 2028
Min Payment Only	Jun 2028	$2,923.62	Jun 2028
Min Payment Only	Jul 2028	$2,829.631	Jul 2028
Min Payment Only	Aug 2028	$2,733.842	Aug 2028
Min Payment Only	Sep 2028	$2,636.218	Sep 2028
Min Payment Only	Oct 2028	$2,536.724	Oct 2028
Min Payment Only	Nov 2028	$2,435.323	Nov 2028
Min Payment Only	Dec 2028	$2,331.98	Dec 2028
Min Payment Only	Jan 2029	$2,226.657	Jan 2029
Min Payment Only	Feb 2029	$2,119.316	Feb 2029
Min Payment Only	Mar 2029	$2,009.919	Mar 2029
Min Payment Only	Apr 2029	$1,898.425	Apr 2029
Min Payment Only	May 2029	$1,784.796	May 2029
Min Payment Only	Jun 2029	$1,668.99	Jun 2029
Min Payment Only	Jul 2029	$1,550.965	Jul 2029
Min Payment Only	Aug 2029	$1,430.679	Aug 2029
Min Payment Only	Sep 2029	$1,308.088	Sep 2029
Min Payment Only	Oct 2029	$1,183.149	Oct 2029
Min Payment Only	Nov 2029	$1,055.816	Nov 2029
Min Payment Only	Dec 2029	$926.044	Dec 2029
Min Payment Only	Jan 2030	$793.786	Jan 2030
Min Payment Only	Feb 2030	$658.993	Feb 2030
Min Payment Only	Mar 2030	$521.619	Mar 2030
Min Payment Only	Apr 2030	$381.612	Apr 2030
Min Payment Only	May 2030	$238.923	May 2030
Min Payment Only	Jun 2030	$0	Jun 2030

$3.15Daily interest

Mar 2028First debt gone

$1,366Total interest

Want to see every payment?

The app tracks it all for you.

FinPal app showing detailed debt breakdown

Understanding Debt Payoff Strategies

Learn more about the methods behind the math

Debt Avalanche

Attack your highest interest rate debt first. Like an avalanche gaining momentum, you knock out expensive debts quickly, saving maximum money on interest. Best for disciplined savers who want to minimize total cost.

Minimizes total interest paid
Mathematically optimal
Best long-term savings

Debt Snowball

Start with your smallest balance, regardless of interest rate. Each debt you eliminate builds psychological momentum, like a snowball rolling downhill. Best for those who need motivation and quick wins.

Quick psychological wins
Builds motivation
Higher completion rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Results are projections based on the information you provide. Actual results may vary. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Debt Payoff Calculator