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Debt payoff calculator: snowball vs avalanche
Enter up to three debts and what you can pay each month. See your debt-free date, total interest and which method gets you there faster.
- Free to use
- No sign-up
- Runs in your browser
- Nothing you type is sent anywhere
Your debts
Your results
Want to save this and come back to it? Storm Debt Planner keeps everything on your own device. See Storm Debt Planner.
Turn this plan into a payoff you can track
The calculator gives you a snapshot. Storm Debt Planner keeps your plan alive: record each payment, watch your debt-free date move closer and test changes before you commit.
- Unlimited debts and payments
- Debt-free date that updates as you pay
- Snowball and avalanche side by side
- Budget, savings goals and progress charts
One payment. No subscription. Works offline and your data stays on your device.
How the snowball and avalanche methods work
Both methods pay the minimum on every debt and put all your extra money toward one target debt at a time. When that debt is paid off, its payment rolls into the next one.
Debt snowball
The snowball targets the smallest balance first. You get a paid-off debt sooner, which keeps many people motivated.
Debt avalanche
The avalanche targets the highest interest rate first. It always costs the least interest, though your first payoff may take longer.
How this calculator works
Each month it adds interest to every balance (rate divided by 12), pays each minimum, then puts the extra payment and any freed-up minimums toward the target debt. It repeats until every balance is zero. Real results can differ if your rates, fees or minimums change.
Read more: Debt snowball vs avalanche: which pays off debt faster?.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, snowball or avalanche?
The avalanche saves the most interest. The snowball gives you an earlier win. If the difference in interest is small, pick the one you will stick with.
Why does the calculator say my payments do not cover the interest?
If the monthly interest on a debt is higher than what you pay toward it, the balance grows. Increase the minimum or the extra payment.
Is my information saved?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent anywhere. Storm Debt Planner saves your plan on your own device.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is a planning tool. Talk to a qualified adviser or your lender if you are struggling with repayments.
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