Debt Avalanche Payoff Calculator
Payoff order and interest saved via the debt avalanche method.
Enter your values
e.g. store card
Enter the debt 1 apr in %.
Enter the debt 2 balance you are working with.
Enter the debt 2 apr in %.
Enter the extra monthly payment you are working with.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Months to debt-free
- 30
- Total interest paid
- $1,384.30
- Years to payoff
- 2.5
Quick answer
Paying extra toward the highest interest rate debt first minimizes total interest paid across all debts.
months and interest computed by targeting highest APR balance first with extra payments
At a glance
| What it does | Payoff order and interest saved via the debt avalanche method. |
|---|---|
| Category | Finance |
| Inputs needed | Debt 1 balance, Debt 1 APR, Debt 2 balance, Debt 2 APR, Extra monthly payment |
| Main output | Months to debt-free |
| Formula | months and interest computed by targeting highest APR balance first with extra payments |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Debt Avalanche Payoff Calculator
- 1Enter each debt's balance and interest rate (APR).
- 2Enter how much extra you can pay above minimums each month.
- 3The avalanche method sends all extra money to the highest-APR debt first, saving the most interest overall.
Inputs explained
- Debt 1 balance($)
- e.g. store card
- Debt 1 APR(%)
- Enter the debt 1 apr in %.
- Debt 2 balance
- Enter the debt 2 balance you are working with.
- Debt 2 APR(%)
- Enter the debt 2 apr in %.
- Extra monthly payment
- Enter the extra monthly payment you are working with.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Debt 1 balance1200 $
- Debt 1 APR24 %
- Debt 2 balance4500
- Debt 2 APR18 %
- Extra monthly payment150
Results
- Months to debt-free30
- Total interest paid$1,384.30
- Years to payoff2.5
Frequently asked questions
Why is avalanche mathematically better?
Interest compounds fastest on the highest rate balance, so eliminating it first reduces total interest paid.
Can I switch methods midway?
Yes, many people start with snowball for motivation then switch to avalanche once momentum builds.
What do I need to enter into the Debt Avalanche Payoff Calculator?
Just 5 values: debt 1 balance, debt 1 apr, debt 2 balance, debt 2 apr, extra monthly payment. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Debt Avalanche Payoff Calculator work out the answer?
Paying extra toward the highest interest rate debt first minimizes total interest paid across all debts. It applies the formula months and interest computed by targeting highest APR balance first with extra payments and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Debt Avalanche Payoff Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.