Snowball or avalanche — which is better?

Avalanche (highest interest rate first) mathematically saves the most money and time. Snowball (smallest balance first) costs slightly more but delivers quick wins that keep many people motivated. The best method is the one you'll stick with.

What is the 'extra' amount?

It's money you pay on top of all the minimum payments. It's applied to your priority debt; when that debt clears, its payment plus the extra rolls onto the next — the 'rollover' that accelerates everything.

Should I pause investing to kill debt?

High-interest debt (like cards at 20%+) usually beats expected investment returns, so clearing it first is often the better guaranteed return. For low-rate debt, many people invest and pay down at the same time.

Debt & Loans

Debt Payoff Calculator

Compare two proven strategies. Avalanche targets the highest rate first to save the most money; snowball clears the smallest balance first for quick wins. Set your debts and an extra amount to throw at them.

Your numbers

Strategy

Extra per month

On top of minimum payments, rolled to the next debt as each clears.

Credit card balance

Credit card rate

Car loan balance

Car loan rate

Student loan balance

Student loan rate

Statement

Debt-free in

6 yrs 1 mo

$7,213 total interest

Total debt today: $40,000
Total interest: $7,213
Total paid: $47,213
Payoff order: Credit card → Car loan → Student loan

Using the avalanche method, your debts clear in this order: Credit card, Car loan, Student loan. You'll be debt-free in 6 yrs 1 mo.

Over time

Estimates only — not financial advice. They produce estimates based on the figures you enter and do not account for every fee, tax or change in rate.

Sources & assumptions

Formula 2026.07.18
Page updated 2026-07-18

Read the full methodology

The result is a deterministic estimate from the inputs shown on this page.
Fees, taxes and real-world terms not represented by an input are excluded.
Confirm material decisions against original documents or a qualified professional.

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The rollover effect

Both methods rely on momentum: once a debt is gone, you don't pocket its payment — you add it to the next debt. Each cleared balance frees up more cash for the next, so the final debts fall fastest. That's why a steady extra amount has an outsized effect.