Debt snowball versus avalanche calculator
Compare repayment orders across multiple debts.
Your inputs
Your results
Ready when you areYour results will appear here.
Compare two scenarios.
Run the tool, then save A or B to compare headline results and entered values. Keep currencies, periods and assumptions consistent.
Saved scenarios stay in this browser until you clear them. Reset clears the working result; it keeps saved scenarios. Use Clear saved scenarios on a shared device.
Run the tool to save your first scenario.
How it works
Compare smallest-balance-first and highest-APR-first repayment with the same fixed monthly budget and fixed minimums. Freed payments roll over within the same month.
Read the source reference ↗A few things to know
Fixed minimum-payment and nominal APR model; actual card minimums, fees, daily accrual, promotional rates and new borrowing differ. Up to 50 debts and 1,200 months. No debt advice or creditor integration.
Results use your inputs. Keep all money amounts in the same currency.
When to use this tool
Compare repayment priorities without changing the monthly budget. Snowball targets the smallest remaining balance; avalanche targets the highest APR.
- Compare payment priorities.
- Model a fixed debt budget.
- Inspect monthly balances.
How to use debt snowball versus avalanche calculator
Prepare the inputs
Enter 1–50 debts using the exact CSV headers.
Choose the settings
Set a budget covering all minimum payments.
Review and export
Compare both schedules against your actual creditor terms.
Try the supplied example
Inputs
debts: Name,Balance,APR,Minimum Card A,2000,18,60 Card B,5000,24,150; budget: 400
Result
Both strategies receive a 400 monthly budget for the two example cards.
What it means
Interest and payoff differences come from payment order under the same assumptions.
Common mistakes to avoid
Actual minimums often vary by balance
Actual minimums often vary by balance.
Promotional rates and new spending change the plan
Promotional rates and new spending change the plan.
Frequently asked questions
Definitions, edge cases, and practical next steps for this tool. Search all tool FAQs ↗
Do minimums change as balances fall?
No. They stay fixed until the final capped payment on each debt.
What does snowball prioritize?
The smallest active balance after this month’s minimum payments.
What does avalanche prioritize?
The highest APR among active debts, with input order breaking ties.
What happens to freed minimum payments?
The constant budget is reallocated to the next active priority debt.
Can I include new spending?
No. This model assumes no new borrowing.
What if my budget is too small?
The tool rejects a budget below minimums or a plan that cannot finish within 1,200 months.
Are my inputs uploaded or stored?
Processing happens locally in your browser. This tool does not upload inputs. Downloads stay on your device; sharing or opening them in another service is your choice.
What should I check before using the output?
Fixed minimum-payment and nominal APR model; actual card minimums, fees, daily accrual, promotional rates and new borrowing differ. Up to 50 debts and 1,200 months. No debt advice or creditor integration.
Explore the topic in the blog
Sources and method
Use the references below to check definitions and platform guidance. The model’s scope and limits are explained above. Read our editorial standards.