Debt Avalanche Calculator
Save the most interest by highest rate.
Enter your numbers and press Calculate.
About the Debt Avalanche Calculator
The debt avalanche method orders debts from the highest interest rate to the lowest. You pay minimums on everything and send any extra money to the highest-rate debt first, then move down the list as each is cleared.
This calculator projects a payoff order and timeline for the avalanche approach. Mathematically it minimizes the total interest paid compared with other orderings.
How this works
Monthly simulation — highest rate first (avalanche).
Assumptions
- Each month interest accrues, minimum payments are made, then the extra payment goes to the highest-rate debt.
- Rates and minimum payments stay constant.
- This is a simulation estimate, not a guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Why target the highest rate first?
High-rate balances accrue interest fastest, so eliminating them first reduces the total interest paid across all the debts.
When might the snowball be better?
If motivation is the main obstacle, the snowball’s quick early wins can make it easier to stick with the plan, even at a small extra interest cost.
Can I switch methods midway?
Yes. Some people clear one small balance first for momentum, then switch to the avalanche order for the rest.
Related tools
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not personalized financial advice. Rates, taxes, and financial products change — verify with providers and qualified professionals.