FinanceAvalanche MethodvsSnowball Method

Debt Avalanche vs Snowball — Which Pays Off Debt Faster?

Compare avalanche (highest interest first) vs snowball (lowest balance first) debt payoff strategies.

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Your Numbers

Debt 1 Balance

Debt 1 Interest Rate

Debt 2 Balance

Debt 2 Interest Rate

Debt 3 Balance

Debt 3 Interest Rate

Total Monthly Payment Budget

Your Results

Comes out ahead

Avalanche Method

$3,860

Total Debt$20,000

Monthly Payment Budget$800

Months to Debt-Free30

Total Interest Paid$3,860

Strategy—

Snowball Method

$4,504

Total Debt$20,000

Monthly Payment Budget$800

Months to Debt-Free31

Total Interest Paid$4,504

Strategy—

Under these assumptions

Avalanche Method comes out ahead

+$644

saved in interest with Avalanche

The Avalanche Method saves $644 in interest and pays off debt 1 month faster. However, the Snowball method builds momentum by eliminating small debts first, which can boost motivation.

A model of the inputs above, not financial advice. Real outcomes depend on rates, taxes and choices this comparison does not include.