Debt Avalanche Calculator
Pay highest-APR debts first to minimize total interest. See your payoff order, debt-free date and savings vs. snowball.
Inputs
Result
Avalanche minimizes total interest paid.
Visual breakdown
Payoff order
- 1.Card A10 mo · interest $122.07
- 2.Card B2 yr 3 mo · interest $947.64
- 3.Loan3 yr 0 mo · interest $1,017.43
Formula
Each month: pay minimums on all debts, then apply extra + freed-up minimums to the highest-APR active debt.
Example
3 debts, +$100/mo extra (avalanche) → the highest-APR debt clears first, usually saving the most interest overall.
Related: Snowball · Single debt · Credit card
How to use
- Add each debt with balance, APR, and minimum payment.
- Enter an optional extra amount to apply each month.
- Read your payoff order, debt-free date and total interest.
- Switch strategies to compare snowball vs. avalanche.
When it's useful
- You want to minimize total interest paid.
- You're comparing payoff strategies.
- You're planning a realistic debt-free timeline.
Common examples
Frequently asked
Avalanche vs snowball — which is better?
Avalanche typically saves more total interest by targeting the highest APR. Snowball gives faster psychological wins.
How much can avalanche save?
Often hundreds to thousands over multi-year payoffs — bigger gap when APRs vary widely.
Are paid-off minimums reused?
Yes — freed-up minimums roll into the next-highest-APR target each month.
What if two debts have the same APR?
Either is fine — we use the one returned first in the list. Differences in total interest are negligible.
Does this include fees?
No — only APR-based interest. Add annual or late fees separately.
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More money & work →Estimates only — not financial advice. Real plans depend on statement dates, fees and behavior.