Debt Snowball Calculator

See how fast the debt snowball clears your balances, pay minimums on everything, then throw every extra dollar at the smallest balance first. Shows your debt-free date and total interest, entirely in your browser.

Debt-free in

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Total interest paid-
Total paid-

Payoff order (smallest balance 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 smallest balance:

    extra → smallest balance · freed minimums roll forward

    The snowball orders debts from smallest to largest balance, ignoring the rate. Once a debt is gone its whole payment is added to the attack on the next one, so the amount you throw at each debt grows like a rolling snowball. It usually costs slightly more interest than the avalanche but the quick wins help you keep going.

    What this does

    A debt snowball calculator shows how fast you clear your balances when you pay minimums on everything, then throw every extra dollar at the smallest balance first. It returns your debt-free date and total interest.

    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 avalanche method if you prefer.

    How it works

    You pay the minimum on every debt, then put all extra money toward the smallest balance. When it clears, its payment rolls onto the next-smallest, the snowball grows as each debt disappears.

    Understanding your result

    Clearing a whole debt quickly gives a motivating early win. The snowball usually costs slightly more interest than the avalanche, but the momentum keeps many people on track.

    Example

    With debts of $500, $2,000, and $5,000, the snowball clears the $500 first for a quick win, then rolls its payment into the next balance.

    Sources & methodology

    Last updated .

    Frequently asked questions

    How does the debt snowball work?

    You pay the minimum on every debt, then put all of your extra money toward the debt with the smallest balance. When it is gone, its payment rolls onto the next-smallest, the "snowball" grows as each debt clears.

    Why start with the smallest balance?

    Clearing a whole debt quickly gives a motivating early win. The snowball usually costs a little more interest than the avalanche method, but the momentum keeps many people on track.

    What is the extra payment?

    It is any amount above the combined minimums that you can put toward debt each month. Even a small extra amount noticeably shortens your payoff time, try a few values to see the effect.

    Do you store my balances?

    No. Every figure is calculated locally in your browser, nothing you enter is uploaded or saved.