Debt Avalanche Calculator

Pay off debt for the least interest with the avalanche method, minimums on everything, then every extra dollar at the highest interest rate first. Shows your debt-free date, total interest, and payoff order in your browser.

Debt-free in

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Total interest paid-
Total paid-

Payoff order (highest rate first)

    Show the math

    Each month, interest is added to every balance, the minimum is paid on all of them, then every spare dollar attacks the highest interest rate:

    extra → highest rate · freed minimums roll forward

    The avalanche orders debts from highest to lowest interest rate, regardless of balance. Killing the most expensive debt first means interest piles up on less of your costliest balance, so you usually pay the least total interest and finish soonest. As each debt clears, its payment rolls onto the next-highest rate.

    What this does

    A debt avalanche calculator pays off debt for the least interest: minimums on everything, then every extra dollar at the highest interest rate first. It returns your debt-free date, total interest, and payoff order.

    How to use it

    1. Add each debt with its balance, rate, and minimum payment.
    2. Enter the extra amount you can pay each month.
    3. Read the payoff order, debt-free date, and total interest.
    4. Compare against the snowball method to choose.

    How it works

    You pay the minimum on every debt, then direct all extra money to the highest-rate debt. As each clears, its payment rolls onto the next-highest rate, attacking the most expensive debt first.

    Understanding your result

    Targeting the highest rate first means interest accrues on less of your most expensive debt, so you usually pay the least total interest and often finish sooner. The trade-off is fewer quick wins early on.

    Example

    With a 22% card, a 9% loan, and a 5% loan, the avalanche attacks the 22% card first, saving more interest than clearing a smaller, cheaper balance would.

    Sources & methodology

    Last updated .

    Frequently asked questions

    How does the debt avalanche work?

    You pay the minimum on every debt, then direct all extra money to the debt with the highest interest rate. As each is cleared, its payment rolls onto the next-highest rate, attacking the most expensive debt first.

    Is the avalanche cheaper than the snowball?

    Yes, targeting the highest rate first means interest accrues on less of your most expensive debt, so you usually pay less total interest and often finish a little sooner. The trade-off is fewer quick wins early on.

    Which method should I choose?

    The avalanche saves the most money; the snowball can be easier to stick with. Both clear the same debts, compare the total interest each shows and pick the plan you will actually follow.

    Is my data saved?

    No. Everything is computed locally in your browser.