Debt Avalanche Calculator

Worked example

Same three cards at 24%, 18%, and 12% APR—avalanche pays the 24% card first even if it is not the smallest balance, often saving more interest than snowball.

When to use this

• Minimizing total interest across credit cards and installment loans.
• Choosing payoff order when APRs differ widely on similar balances.
• Comparing avalanche savings against the snowball method on your debts.
• Planning extra payments toward the highest-rate balance each month.
• Modeling biweekly payments or a lump-sum snowflake on day one.

Common examples

• 24% retail card before 14% personal loan despite smaller balance on loan.
• Two cards same balance different APR—avalanche always targets higher APR.
• $500/mo total: avalanche saves $400+ interest vs minimum-only on mixed APRs.
• $6,500 at 22% and $2,200 at 17% with $250 extra → high-APR card first saves ~$180 interest.
• Biweekly half-payments (26 periods) versus monthly—see if extra periods shorten payoff.

Common mistakes

• Targeting the smallest balance when its APR is much lower than other debts.
• Stopping minimum payments on any account while focusing extra on one.
• Ignoring promotional 0% APR end dates—model post-promo rates if needed.
• Assuming avalanche always feels faster—it often saves interest but not early wins.
• Not re-running the plan after paying off the first targeted balance.

How it works

Orders debts from highest APR to lowest. Minimums on all accounts; extra payment goes to the highest-rate balance first to minimize total interest paid.

Limitations

Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Actual payoff timing depends on issuer policies and payment timing.

Privacy and file handling

Your data stays on your device and is not uploaded.

Formula or method

Each month accrues interest, applies minimum payments, then applies all extra cash to the highest APR balance. Paid-off minimums roll into the extra pool.