How this calculator works
Enter up to three debts with their balances, APRs and minimum payments, plus any extra amount you can pay each month. The calculator simulates both strategies month by month: avalanche sends extra money to the highest-rate debt first; snowball sends it to the smallest balance first. When a debt is cleared, its payment rolls to the next.
Choosing a method
Avalanche always minimises interest. Snowball can be easier to stick with because accounts disappear faster. If the interest gap is small, pick the one you'll follow.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add more than three debts?
Group smaller similar debts together, or run the calculator twice.
Why does the extra payment matter so much?
Extra money goes entirely to principal, which reduces future interest and speeds up every later payoff.
Should I consolidate instead?
Only if the new rate and fees are genuinely lower and you stop adding new balances.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and depend on the assumptions you enter. They are not an offer of credit or financial advice. Last reviewed October 2026.