Result
How to use this calculator
List each debt as balance,APR,minimum payment, separated by a pipe for multiple debts — for example 1200,22,60|3000,18,100. Add extra monthly cash, pick the method, and the calculator simulates month by month until every balance hits zero. Share a pre-filled link like ?debts=1200,22,60|3000,18,100&extra=100.
The formula
Each month your budget (minimums + extra) covers interest, pays every minimum, then the remainder attacks the smallest balance. A paid-off debt's minimum rolls into the snowball; avalanche uses the same budget on the highest APR first.
Example
Debts of $500 and $1,000 (0% APR, $50 minimums): with a $100 budget the snowball clears the $500 in 10 months and both are gone in 15 months.
FAQ
Snowball vs avalanche — which saves more interest?
Avalanche (highest APR first) always costs the same or less in interest. Snowball (smallest balance first) usually costs a little more but delivers quick wins that keep people going. This calculator shows both.
Why pay the smallest debt first?
Behavior often beats math: clearing a whole balance fast frees its minimum, which rolls into the next debt — visible progress keeps you going.
What happens if I pay an extra $100 per month?
Extra cash goes to your target debt after interest and minimums, shortening the payoff; each cleared debt frees another minimum into the snowball. Change the field to see it instantly.