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How to use it
Use this calculator to compare the snowball method, which targets the smallest balance first, with the avalanche method, which targets the highest APR first.
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Debt Snowball and Avalanche Calculator
Compare debt snowball and debt avalanche payoff strategies using balances, APRs, minimum payments, and extra monthly payment.
Debt 1
Debt 2
Debt 3
Debt 4 optional
Snowball payoff time
35 months
About 2.9 years. Order: Debt 2 → Debt 1 → Debt 3.
Avalanche payoff time
34 months
About 2.8 years. Order: Debt 1 → Debt 2 → Debt 3.
Snowball vs avalanche
Faster payoff
Avalanche
Snowball targets smallest balance first. Avalanche targets highest APR first.
Lower interest
Avalanche
$4,560 snowball interest vs $4,373 avalanche interest.
Interest saved by avalanche
$187.75
Positive means avalanche saves interest.
Formula, assumptions, and limits
Formula used
The calculator estimates monthly interest, applies minimum payments, rolls extra payment toward the target debt, and compares payoff timelines.
Important limits
This is a simplified payoff estimate. It does not include new charges, changing minimum payments, fees, promotional rates, settlement terms, or lender-specific rules.
Eerns calculators are for educational estimates only and are not financial, tax, legal, or investment advice. Results depend on the information entered and may not reflect a full situation.
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Calculation method
The calculator estimates monthly interest, applies minimum payments, rolls extra payment toward the target debt, and compares payoff timelines.
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Important limitation
This is a simplified payoff estimate. It does not include new charges, changing minimum payments, fees, promotional rates, settlement terms, or lender-specific rules.
Example scenario
Enter several credit cards, loans, or other debts to compare which payoff method is faster and which may save more interest.
Embed version
Choose an embed theme.
Each embed URL can include a brightness, top-bar color, and main-area color. This makes it easier to match the tool to another website.
Default professional blue header with a white calculator area.
https://eerns.com/embed/debt-snowball-avalanche-calculator/bright/blue/white<iframe src="https://eerns.com/embed/debt-snowball-avalanche-calculator/bright/blue/white" width="100%" height="1180" style="border:0;border-radius:12px;" loading="lazy"></iframe>Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the debt snowball method?
The snowball method targets the smallest balance first while continuing minimum payments on the others. Some people like it because it can create faster visible wins.
What is the debt avalanche method?
The avalanche method targets the highest APR first while continuing minimum payments on the others. It often saves more interest when rates are very different.
Does this replace a debt payoff plan from a professional?
No. It is an educational estimate and does not include new charges, fees, hardship plans, settlement terms, or credit counseling advice.
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