Calculator
Debt Snowball Calculator
Plan your debt payoff using the snowball method — smallest balance first. See exactly when you'll be debt-free and how much interest you'll pay.
1. Your inputs
Results update instantly. Everything runs in your browser.
2. Your results
Debt-free in
4 yrs 0 mo
Total interest: $6,542
Total balance
$36,800
Total interest
$6,542
Total paid
$43,342
Months to freedom
48 mo
Active debts
4
Extra / month
$200
Balance over time
Debt breakdown
$36,800
Owed
- Credit card A7%
$2,500
- Credit card B18%
$6,800
- Auto loan26%
$9,500
- Student loan49%
$18,000
What does this mean?
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In plain English
Attacking your smallest balance first with $200 in extra monthly payments, you'd be debt-free in 4 years and 0 months.
You'll pay $6,542 in interest along the way — that's money the lenders would rather you didn't get back.
The magic of the snowball is behavioral. Every debt you eliminate accelerates the next payoff and keeps momentum high.
Assumptions used
The math relies on these assumptions. Real-world numbers can vary.
- Snowball order: smallest balance first, regardless of rate.
- Monthly minimum payments are made on every debt.
- Extra payment goes 100% to the smallest active debt.
- Interest compounds monthly at each debt's stated APR.
- No new charges added during payoff.
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Frequently asked
What is the snowball method?
Pay minimums on every debt, and throw every extra dollar at the debt with the smallest balance. When it's paid off, roll that entire payment into the next-smallest debt.
Isn't the avalanche method mathematically better?
Slightly. Avalanche (highest rate first) usually saves more interest, but snowball's early wins are more motivating and more people stick with it.
How is interest calculated here?
Monthly interest on the remaining balance at each debt's APR / 12, added before payments are applied.
What if my min payment is less than interest?
The debt will never pay off — try increasing your extra monthly payment until the total starts declining.
Can I model more than 5 debts?
This calculator supports up to 5 debts, which covers most real-world situations. Combine any additional debts into one row for planning purposes.
About the Debt Snowball Calculator
The debt snowball method — popularized by personal finance educators — pays debts smallest-to-largest, regardless of interest rate. The early wins fuel long-term discipline.
The math slightly favors the avalanche method (highest rate first), but behavior beats optimization for most people. A slightly worse plan you stick with beats a perfect plan you abandon.
Automate every payment and stop using the cards. The plan only works when new debt stops piling on.
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These calculators are for education only and are not a substitute for personalized advice from a licensed professional. Read our full disclaimer.