📉 Debt Payoff Calculator
The avalanche method attacks the highest-rate debt first while minimums keep the rest current. Every dollar of extra payment goes where interest is most expensive, which shrinks the total interest faster than any other order.
List up to three balances, their APRs and minimum payments as comma-separated values in the same order, plus the extra amount you can pay each month. The calculator simulates the avalanche and shows your debt-free date and total interest.
How to use this calculator
List up to three debts with balances, APRs and minimums as comma-separated values, add an extra monthly payment, and get an avalanche payoff plan.
- Type the Balances as comma-separated numbers, up to three, in any order.
- Type the APRs in the same order as the balances.
- Type the Minimum payments in the same order.
- Enter your Extra monthly payment and press Calculate for the payoff order, months and interest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the avalanche method?
You pay minimums on every debt and throw all extra money at the highest-rate balance first. Once it is gone, the extra rolls to the next highest rate, which minimizes total interest.
What does an example produce?
With balances of $5,000, $3,000 and $2,000 at 18%, 12% and 24%, minimums of $150, $100 and $75, and $200 extra a month, the avalanche clears everything in 27 months with about $1,771 of interest, attacking Debt 3 first.
How do I format the comma lists?
Keep the same order across all three fields, for example balances 5000, 3000, 2000 with rates 18, 12, 24 and minimums 150, 100, 75, so each position describes one debt.
What if my minimums do not cover the interest?
Then a balance grows forever and no plan can finish. The calculator detects this and asks you to raise a minimum or the extra payment.