Debt snowball calculator
Add your debts, pick snowball or avalanche, and see your debt-free date and total interest saved. Free, no sign-up, instant results.
Your action plan
Personalized insights based on your numbers above
A 0% balance transfer card could save thousands
With at least one debt above 18% APR, a 0% balance transfer (typically 12-21 months promo) could save $1,926+ in interest. Watch the 3-5% transfer fee and pay off before the promo ends.
4 debts? Snowball wins on momentum
With 4 debts, snowball method (smallest balance first) creates 4 quick wins to build momentum. Avalanche saves slightly more interest but has higher dropout rates. Behavior beats math.
When debt-free, redirect $200/mo to investing
The discipline that paid off $35,800 is worth more than the debt freedom itself. $200/month invested at 8% for 20 years becomes $1,098+. Turn the snowball into a wealth machine.
How the debt snowball method works
- List every debt by balance, smallest to largest.
- Pay the minimum on all of them every month.
- Throw every extra dollar at the smallest balance.
- When it's paid off, roll that payment into the next-smallest balance.
- Repeat. The "snowball" payment grows as each debt disappears.
Popularized by Dave Ramsey, the snowball trades a little math for a lot of momentum. The early wins keep you going.
Snowball vs avalanche — which should you pick?
| Method | Order | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowball | Smallest balance first | Motivation, momentum | Slightly more interest paid |
| Avalanche | Highest APR first | Pure math optimization | Slower visible progress |
The math winner is avalanche — always. The behavioral winner is usually snowball. Our calculator shows the dollar difference so you can decide what trade-off you can live with.
Worked example — $14,500 across 4 debts
Say you have:
- Credit card A: $1,200 at 24% APR, $35 min
- Credit card B: $3,800 at 21% APR, $95 min
- Auto loan: $6,500 at 7% APR, $180 min
- Personal loan: $3,000 at 12% APR, $95 min
Adding $250/month extra: snowball wipes everything in ~47 months and costs ~$3,950 in interest. Avalanche finishes in ~46 months and costs ~$3,720 — a $230 savings. Choose the method you'll actually finish.