Debt Avalanche Calculator
Calculate your debt payoff using the avalanche method — targeting the highest interest rate first to minimize total interest paid.
Combined balance of all your debts
Weighted average APR across all debts
Total amount you pay toward all debts each month
Additional amount beyond your regular payment
Results
Months to Payoff
41 months
Total Interest Paid
$5,077.47
Total Amount Paid
$20,077.47
Savings vs Snowball
$406.20
Take it further
Debt Payoff Tracker
Now that you know your payoff date, track every payment. Our Debt Payoff Tracker includes snowball AND avalanche plans, monthly progress tracking, and a savings challenge tab.
How This Calculator Works
The debt avalanche method is the mathematically optimal approach to paying off multiple debts. Instead of targeting the smallest balance, you attack the debt with the highest interest rate first. This means every dollar of extra payment goes where it saves you the most in interest charges.
This calculator uses your total balance and average interest rate to model your payoff trajectory. In practice, the avalanche method shines brightest when you have debts with very different interest rates — for example, a 24% credit card alongside a 6% car loan. By eliminating the high-rate debt first, you reduce the total cost of borrowing significantly.
The "savings vs snowball" result is an estimate based on typical rate spreads. For a precise comparison with your actual debts, list each debt individually with its own rate and balance. The avalanche method requires more patience at the start since your highest-rate debt may also have a large balance, but the mathematical payoff is worth it if you can stay disciplined.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the debt avalanche method?
The avalanche method has you pay off the debt with the highest interest rate first while making minimum payments on everything else. This minimizes the total interest you pay over time, making it the mathematically optimal strategy.
How much can avalanche save over snowball?
Savings depend on the spread between your interest rates. If you have a 24% credit card and a 5% student loan, the avalanche method can save hundreds or thousands in interest. With similar rates across debts, the difference is smaller.
Why would anyone choose snowball over avalanche?
Psychology. Studies show people are more likely to stick with debt payoff when they see quick wins. If you struggle with motivation, snowball may actually get you debt-free faster because you will not quit.
Can I combine both methods?
Yes. Some people use a hybrid approach — pay off one small debt first for a quick win, then switch to avalanche for the rest. The best method is the one you actually follow through on.
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