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  • Debt Snowball Calculator

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    • Debt snowball means you pay every required minimum, then put all extra money toward the smallest balance first. When that debt is gone, its payment rolls into the next-smallest balance.
    • The method is designed for momentum. A quick first payoff creates a visible win, which can make it easier to keep sending extra cash toward the plan.
    • Make sure all minimum payments are covered. The CFPB explains that paying only the minimum can take years, while paying more can reduce interest over time: CFPB minimum-payment guide.
    • Not usually. Avalanche targets the highest APR first and often saves more interest. Snowball can be better if motivation is the main risk and small wins keep the plan alive.
    • If payments cannot outpace interest, treat it as a warning. The CFPB recommends acting early if you cannot pay credit cards, and the FTC has a practical guide on getting out of debt.

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    Home
    Debt Crusader

    Debt Snowball Calculator

    Smallest balance first debt payoff plan

    Inputs

    Snowball Budget

    $

    Added after every required minimum payment, then rolled into the smallest remaining debt.

    Your Debts

    Debt #1

    Optional label to make the payoff order easier to read.

    $
    $
    %

    Debt #2

    Optional label to make the payoff order easier to read.

    $
    $
    %

    Debt #3

    Optional label to make the payoff order easier to read.

    $
    $
    %

    Results

    Debt-Free Timeline

    22 months

    Estimated time to pay off every listed debt

    First Quick Win

    Store card

    Store card clears around month 4

    Monthly Payoff Velocity

    $600

    Weighted Avg APR

    14.86%

    Cost Breakdown

    $11,600
    $1,522
    Principal
    Interest

    Snowball Payoff Order

    1

    Store card

    $900 · 24.9% APR

    Month 4

    2

    Credit card

    $3,200 · 19.9% APR

    Month 12

    3

    Personal loan

    $7,500 · 11.5% APR

    Month 22

    Total Principal
    $11,600
    Total Interest Paid
    $1,522
    Total Cost
    $13,122
    Total Minimum Payments
    $350 / month
    Monthly Extra
    $250 / month
    Debt Motivation Desk

    Use small wins to keep the payoff engine running

    Snowball is a behavior-first debt plan: minimums stay protected, then every extra dollar targets the smallest balance. Pair that motivation with the CFPB’s reminder that paying more than the minimum reduces interest over time: CFPB guide.

    "The math is not always cheapest, but the psychology can be powerful if quick wins keep you consistent."

    Protect minimums

    The snowball starts only after every required payment is covered.

    Rank by balance

    Smallest balance first creates the fastest visible payoff.

    Roll every freed payment

    Do not spend the old payment after a debt closes; add it to the next target.