Debt Avalanche vs Snowball Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter the smallest debt and its APR, then the highest-APR debt and its APR. The tool compares approximate annual interest and identifies the mathematical first target for each method.

When this calculator is useful

• Choosing a debt payoff method
• Understanding motivation versus interest savings
• Organizing multiple credit-card or loan balances

Important limitations

This comparison is a first-step estimate, not a full multi-debt amortization schedule. Minimum payments, promotional rates, fees, and new charges can change the result.

For best results, run at least three cases: a conservative case, a middle case, and a stretch case. If a small change in inputs creates a big change in the answer, that is a sign the decision may be sensitive to rates, fees, timing, or market performance.