Nitro ToolzDebt Avalanche vs Snowball Planner
Compare avalanche and snowball payoff for up to four debts.
Debt Avalanche vs Snowball Planner
Generated 10/9/2026
- Debt 1 balance: 6200
- Debt 1 interest rate: 22.9
- Debt 1 minimum payment: 155
- Debt 2 balance: 3400
- Debt 2 interest rate: 17.5
- Debt 2 minimum payment: 95
- Debt 3 balance: 14500
- Debt 3 interest rate: 6.8
- Debt 3 minimum payment: 210
- Debt 4 balance: 0
- Extra monthly payment: 200
- Avalanche: debt-free in
- 3 yr 8 mo
- Avalanche total interest
- $4,925
- Snowball: debt-free in
- 3 yr 9 mo
- Snowball total interest
- $5,207
- Interest avalanche saves
- $282
- Total monthly budget
- $660.00
Highest interest rate first
Smallest balance first
Avalanche payoff order: Debt 1, Debt 2, Debt 3. Snowball order: Debt 2, Debt 1, Debt 3.
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How to use this tool
- Enter each debt balance, rate and minimum payment. Leave unused slots at zero.
- Add an extra monthly amount you can commit.
- Compare total interest and months, then pick the method you will stick with.
Formulas
Avalanche targets the highest interest rate first; snowball targets the smallest balance first.
Payments freed by a paid-off debt roll into the next target so the total monthly budget stays constant.
Frequently asked questions
Which method saves more money?
Avalanche always pays the least interest. Snowball gives quicker early wins that help some people stay on track.
What if my minimum does not cover interest?
The balance grows and never pays off. The tool flags this so you can raise payments.
Do I include new purchases?
No. The model assumes you stop adding to these balances.
How is interest calculated?
Monthly, at the annual rate divided by 12, applied before each payment.