Snowball vs Avalanche

Compare smallest-balance-first with highest-rate-first.

Your numbers

Enter your numbers to see the result.

How Snowball vs Avalanche works

Both strategies pay required minimums and roll freed payments into remaining debt. Snowball targets the smallest balance first; avalanche targets the highest interest rate first.

A worked example

These sample values illustrate the calculation. Use your own numbers in the calculator for your result.

Example inputs

Extra monthly payment: 100
Credit card · Balance: 3000
Credit card · APR (%): 22
Credit card · Monthly payment: 120
Personal loan · Balance: 5000
Personal loan · APR (%): 8
Personal loan · Monthly payment: 150

Avalanche estimated interest: $1,015.79
Avalanche payoff time: 25 months
Snowball estimated interest: $1,015.79
Snowball payoff time: 25 months

Assumptions and limits

Rates, fees and contribution schedules are the assumptions you enter. This estimate does not include changes you have not entered.

Educational estimate only. This is not personalized financial, investment or tax advice.