Snowball and avalanche
Enter each debt’s balance, APR, and minimum monthly payment. Choose snowball (smallest balance first) or avalanche (highest APR first). Add an optional extra monthly payment on top of all minimums.
How debt snowball and avalanche payoff work
Multiple debts, one plan
Enter each debt’s balance, APR, and minimum monthly payment. Choose snowball (smallest balance first) or avalanche (highest APR first). An optional extra monthly amount is applied on top of all minimums to the current target debt, then rolls to the next when one clears.
Snowball prioritises motivation from early wins. Avalanche usually minimises interest if you stick with it. Neither replaces advice from a regulated counsellor if debts are unmanageable.
Worked example
Three cards with balances £500 / £2,000 / £3,000 and different APRs will show different payoff orders under each strategy. Adding £100 extra monthly shortens both plans; avalanche typically saves more interest when high-APR balances are large.
What is modelled
- Interest accrues from the APRs you enter (simplified monthly treatment).
- Minimums continue on debts not currently targeted.
- Fees, penalty rates, and deferred interest promotions are not automatic.
Common mistakes
- Stopping extra payments after the first win.
- Ignoring a 0% promo end date that spikes APR.
- Listing minimums that do not actually cover interest (balance grows).
FAQs
- Should I include the mortgage?
- You can, but mortgage strategy often differs — see Mortgage for payment maths on a single home loan.
- Is this a hard offer quote?
- No — illustrative scheduling only.
When this page helps
Use it when you want a transparent, browser-side calculation with the assumptions spelled out — then verify anything high-stakes against primary docs, a professional, or your own measurements. The related links below point to sibling tools and longer guides when you need more context.
Accuracy notes
Results depend entirely on the numbers you enter and the simplified model described above. Device clocks, tape measurements, market rates, and recipe conventions can all differ from a perfect textbook case. If an output looks surprising, re-check units first, then re-read the formula section.
Last updated: July 2026