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
System view
See how this fits into your full financial system.
Zoom out and connect income, expenses, debt, savings, housing, transportation, and runway in one private system view.
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
Common answers
- Where will I save the most interest?On the highest-APR debt — avalanche targets it first.
- How big is the avalanche advantage?A few hundred to a few thousand dollars on multi-year plans with mixed APRs.
- Should I always pick avalanche?Pick it if you'll stick with it; snowball if early wins keep you motivated.
- Does APR order change mid-plan?If a promo APR expires, re-enter the new rate and recompute the order.
- Are fees included?No — only APR interest. Add annual or late fees separately.
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.
People also calculate
More money & work →Estimates only — not financial advice. Real plans depend on statement dates, fees and behavior.