About the Debt Avalanche Calculator
The debt avalanche method pays the minimum on every debt, then puts all extra money toward the highest-APR debt first. It clears the most expensive debt soonest, minimizing the total interest you pay. Enter up to four debts to compare against the snowball method.
How it’s calculated
Debts are ordered by APR (highest first). Each month all minimums are paid, then the remaining budget is applied to the highest-rate debt until every balance reaches zero.
Example calculation
With a $6,000 debt at 22% and a $9,000 debt at 15%, the avalanche targets the 22% debt first — usually paying less total interest than the snowball order.
Frequently asked questions
Why start with the highest rate?
The highest-APR debt grows the fastest, so eliminating it first stops the most interest from accruing — the mathematically cheapest path to debt-free.
Is avalanche always cheaper?
In interest terms, yes or tied. The trade-off is that the first payoff can take longer than with the snowball, which some people find less motivating.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Your actual figures may vary with lender terms, fees, and market conditions.