🔥 Avalanche Method — Minimizes Total Interest

Debt Avalanche Calculator

The avalanche method saves the most money by attacking highest-interest debt first. See exactly how much you'll save compared to minimum payments or the snowball method.

Your Debts

Payoff Strategy

Extra Monthly Payment

Extra per month$0
$0$2,000

📊 Your Payoff Plan

Dec 2037
Debt-free date
137
Months
$8,678.06
Total interest
$5,000
Total debt

Balance Over Time

MonthBalancePaymentInterest
Aug 2026$4,992$100$91.67
Jul 2027$4,889$100$89.82
Jun 2028$4,764$100$87.57
May 2029$4,612$100$84.82
Apr 2030$4,425$100$81.47
Mar 2031$4,197$100$77.37
Feb 2032$3,919$100$72.36
Jan 2033$3,580$100$66.24
Dec 2033$3,165$100$58.78
Nov 2034$2,658$100$49.66
Oct 2035$2,040$100$38.52
Sep 2036$1,284$100$24.92
Aug 2037$362$100$8.32

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What is the Debt Avalanche Method?

The debt avalanche is a payoff strategy where you list all your debts and make minimum payments on everything — then put every extra dollar toward the debt with the highest interest rate. Once that debt is paid off, you roll its payment into the next highest-rate debt. This "avalanche" continues until all debts are paid.

Avalanche vs Snowball: Which Saves More?

MethodFocusBest For
🔥 AvalancheHighest interest firstSaving the most money
❄️ SnowballSmallest balance firstMotivation & quick wins

For most people with high-interest credit card debt, the avalanche method wins on paper. But research shows both methods work — the best strategy is the one you'll stick to. Full snowball vs avalanche comparison →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the debt avalanche method?

The debt avalanche method pays off your highest-interest debt first while making minimum payments on all others. Once the highest-rate debt is eliminated, you roll that payment into the next highest-rate debt. This minimizes total interest paid across all your debts.

How much does the avalanche method save vs minimum payments?

The savings depend heavily on your interest rates and balances. On a typical debt load of $25,000 across several credit cards at 18-24% APR, the avalanche method can save $3,000-$8,000 in interest compared to paying only minimums, and reduce payoff time by 2-5 years.

Avalanche vs snowball: which method is better?

The avalanche method saves the most money mathematically. The snowball method (smallest balance first) provides faster motivational wins and may be better if you struggle with staying motivated. Both work — the best method is the one you'll actually follow through on.

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