Debt payoff calculator: snowball vs avalanche
Enter your debts and what you can pay each month. We'll show which order to pay them in, when you'll be debt-free, and the interest each method costs.
| Debt | Balance £ | APR % | Minimum £/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
📘 Full guide: debt snowball vs avalanche in the UK
Snowball or avalanche?
Snowball pays the smallest balance off first. You clear whole debts sooner, which keeps you motivated. Avalanche pays the highest APR first, so you always pay the least interest overall. Either way, you pay the minimum on everything and put every spare pound on the target debt. When a debt is cleared, its payment rolls on to the next one.
If you're struggling to make minimum payments, get free, confidential help from StepChange, National Debtline or MoneyHelper before you borrow more.
Up to 10 debts, snowball or avalanche, a debt-free date, interest totals and a month-by-month plan, in Google Sheets and Excel.
See the template →
A 31-day no-spend calendar with streaks, a January reset budget, a subscriptions audit, money found and 2027 savings goals, in Google Sheets and Excel.
See the template →
FAQs
Is the debt snowball or avalanche better?
Avalanche always costs the same or less in interest. Snowball often gives a quicker first win, which helps many people stick with the plan. The calculator shows the difference for your own debts, which is often small.
How is interest worked out?
As an estimate: each month's interest is the balance × APR ÷ 12. Real card statements use daily interest and can differ slightly. If a 0% deal ends, enter the new APR.
Related calculators & guides
Pay off your overdraft? · Snowball vs avalanche guide · 50/30/20 budget · No-spend challenge · Subscription costs
- The Psychology of Money: Morgan Housel (Amazon)
- Money: A User's Guide: Laura Whateley (Amazon)
- Cash-stuffing budget envelope wallet (Amazon)