Compare the avalanche method (highest APR first) and snowball method (smallest balance first) for any combination of debts. Find your fastest path to debt-free.
A debt payoff calculator simulates paying off multiple debts using either the avalanche method (highest interest rate first) or the snowball method (smallest balance first). For each strategy, it computes the months to debt freedom, total interest paid, and total amount paid, then compares the two side by side. The calculator accepts any number of debts with custom balance, APR, and minimum payment — covering credit cards, student loans, car loans, medical debt, and personal loans.
3 years 7 months
Total interest: $3,530
Total paid: $24,030
3 years 7 months
Total interest: $3,738
Total paid: $24,238
Avalanche saves $209 in interest (0 years sooner than snowball).
Avalanche = pay highest APR first (mathematically optimal). Snowball = pay smallest balance first (psychological wins). Most people who stick with debt payoff succeed with snowball due to quick wins.
Months to pay off credit card debt with $300/month minimum payment at common APRs (assumes no new charges):
| Starting balance | APR | Monthly payment | Months to payoff | Total interest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,000 | 24% | $300 | 19 | $610 |
| $10,000 | 24% | $300 | 47 | $4,127 |
| $15,000 | 24% | $300 | 88 | $11,419 |
| $25,000 | 24% | $400 | 100 | $14,729 |
Minimum payments typically cover only interest, extending payoff 10-20+ years. Avalanche method (highest APR first) saves the most. Use the calculator above with your exact balance and APR.
Cross-checked against authoritative formulas (IRS, NIST, ACSM) and updated for 2025/2026 tax years and rates.
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A debt payoff calculator is a free debt-reduction planning tool that simulates paying off multiple debts under either the avalanche or snowball method. Our debt payoff calculator accepts any number of debts (credit cards, student loans, car loans, medical bills) with custom balance, APR, and minimum payment. It computes months to debt freedom, total interest paid, and total amount paid for each strategy, then compares them side by side.
How it works
Our debt payoff calculator compares the avalanche method (highest APR first) and the snowball method (smallest balance first) for any combination of debts.
Click 'Add debt' for each debt you owe — credit cards, student loans, car loan, medical debt, etc. For each, enter the name, current balance, APR, and minimum monthly payment. Get these from your latest statements.
Type the extra amount you can put toward debt each month beyond minimums. Even $50-200/mo extra dramatically reduces payoff time and total interest. The debt payoff calculator adds this to your minimums and directs it to the priority debt.
The debt payoff calculator shows months to debt-free, total interest paid, and total amount paid for both avalanche (highest APR first) and snowball (smallest balance first). It highlights which method saves more money and which finishes faster.
Find how long it takes to pay off a credit card balance and the total interest.
Compare debt consolidation to current payments and find total savings.
Build a monthly budget using the 50/30/20 rule or custom allocation, with savings targets.