Debt Payoff Calculator
Enter your debts below to estimate payoff timing. Compare snowball vs. avalanche outputs against your budget and behavior.
Use This Calculator With Debt Research
Calculator results depend on the numbers you enter and do not replace contract review, budget planning, or advice from a qualified professional. Use the plan with CreditDoc category pages, borrower answers, and complaint-data context.
Your Debts
This amount is applied to the target debt each month after all minimums are paid.
Snowball Method
Smallest balance first
Avalanche Method
Highest interest first
Monthly Payment Schedule
| Month | Target Debt | Payment | Interest | Remaining |
|---|
Calculation Note
Struggling with high-interest debt?
Debt relief providers may discuss negotiated-balance programs. Review provider profiles and program trade-offs before contacting a company.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual payoff timelines depend on your lender terms, payment consistency, and any changes to your debt balances. This is not financial advice. Full disclosure.
How It Works
What is the snowball method?
The debt snowball method pays off debts from smallest balance to largest, regardless of interest rate. Each time a debt is paid off, you roll that payment into the next smallest debt. This method creates early payoff milestones that some borrowers find easier to track.
What is the avalanche method?
The debt avalanche method pays off debts from highest interest rate to lowest. When all other assumptions are equal, this usually reduces total interest charges over time, though it may take longer to see individual debts eliminated.
Which method saves more money?
The avalanche method usually reduces total interest paid when all other assumptions are equal. Some people prefer the snowball method because small balances disappear earlier. Compare the outputs against your budget and behavior.
How much extra should I pay?
Even $50 extra per month makes a significant difference. On a $10,000 debt at 20% APR, adding $100/month to the minimum cuts payoff time from 9+ years to under 3 years and saves over $7,000 in interest. Use the calculator above to see your specific numbers.
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