Debt Avalanche Calculator 2026 – Highest APR First + Interest Saved vs Snowball

Q: Does avalanche always save more interest?

Often yes, but results can be close depending on balances, minimum payments, and APRs.

Q: Why do people prefer snowball?

Snowball can provide faster early wins by paying off smaller balances first, which helps motivation.

Q: Is this calculator exact?

This is a planning estimate. Real lender interest may compound differently (daily interest, fees, due dates).

Q: What if my payments are too low?

If minimum payments do not cover interest, balances can grow. Increase payments or reduce APR.

Q: Can I export the schedules?

Yes. You can download TXT or CSV (Excel-compatible) for both avalanche and snowball plans.

🧾 Enter Your Debts

Debts (Avalanche = highest APR first)

APR is annual interest rate (example: 24.99). Minimum payment is what you currently pay monthly. Amounts are in your currency.

💸 Extra Monthly Budget (above minimums)

This gets added to the current target debt.

📅 Start Month (optional)

If blank, we use the current month.

How Avalanche differs from Snowball

Both methods pay minimum payments on all debts each month. Avalanche sends the extra budget to the highest APR debt first (usually saves the most interest). Snowball sends extra to the smallest balance first (often more motivating).

Debt Avalanche vs Snowball (Which is Better in 2026?)

The Debt Avalanche strategy pays off debt by targeting the highest APR first. This usually reduces the total interest you’ll pay, which is why it’s often considered the mathematically “best” method. The Debt Snowball targets the smallest balance first, which can feel easier and more motivating.

        Quick rule: If you want to save the most money, avalanche often wins.  
        If you want early wins to stay consistent, snowball may help.
      

Related calculators

Debt Snowball Calculator – smallest balance first.
APR Calculator – understand interest and true cost.
Loan Calculator – estimate loan payments.
Percentage Calculator – quick finance math.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Does avalanche always save more interest?

Usually yes, but results can be very close depending on balances, minimums, and APRs.

2) Why do people prefer snowball?

Snowball can deliver faster “wins” by clearing smaller balances early, which helps motivation.

3) Is this calculator exact?

This is a planning estimate. Interest rules vary by lender (daily interest, fees, due dates).

4) What if my payments are too low?

If minimum payments don’t cover monthly interest, balances can grow. Increase payments or reduce APR.

5) Can I export the schedules?

Yes. Download TXT or CSV (Excel-compatible) to save both plans.

🏔️ Debt Avalanche Calculator — Highest APR First