Snowball vs avalanche calculator

Order matters — see by how much.

Built and reviewed by Dovanic, Founder and editor, FreeByteLast reviewed: 2026-08-18

Small balance

Its rate

12%

Large balance

Its rate

24%

Total monthly payment

Avalanche saves

$905

Debt-free in

2 yr 6 mo

With these inputs, avalanche saves comes to $905. Debt-free in works out to 2 yr 6 mo. The result assumes its rate stays at 12%.

Snowball clears the smallest balance first for momentum; avalanche targets the highest rate for cost.

What moves the number · Avalanche saves

Input	−10%	Now	+10%
Small balance	$800	$905	$1,010
Its rate	$977	$905	$829
Large balance	$757	$905	$1,076
Its rate	$675	$905	$1,170
Total monthly payment	$1,117	$905	$759

Whatmakesequal

Save this set of inputs, change something, then save again to compare the outcomes side by side.

Order matters — see by how much.

Snowball clears the smallest balance first for momentum; avalanche targets the highest rate for cost.

With the defaults above, avalanche saves works out at $905.