Debt Payoff Calculator

lennadi.com

Enter your debts, choose Avalanche or Snowball, and see your estimated debt-free date, total interest, and payoff order. Start by adding a debt below to build your plan.

StrategyStart dateExtra / month
Total balance: $0.00 - Minimum payments: $0.00 (estimated if blank)
IconNameBalanceAPR %Min payment
Run the calculator to see your payoff timeline and totals.
Assumptions: Monthly compounding (APR/12), monthly payments, and interest-only minimum payments when left blank. Results are an estimate and may differ from lender rules/fees.

FAQ

Which debt should I pay first?

If your goal is to minimize interest, pay extra toward the highest APR debt (Avalanche). If you want quick wins for motivation, pay extra toward the smallest balance (Snowball). See the full breakdown in Avalanche vs Snowball.

Avalanche vs Snowball - which is better?

Avalanche is usually cheaper because it targets the highest APR first. Snowball can be better if small victories help you stay consistent. For a side-by-side comparison, read Debt payoff methods.

What if I don't know my minimum payment?

You can leave it blank and the calculator will assume an interest-only minimum for that debt. For why minimums can slow progress, see the minimum payment trap.

Does this calculator work for loans and credit cards?

Yes. It works for any debt with a balance, an APR, and a minimum payment. For credit cards, minimums can vary - see how to pay off credit card debt for tips.

Why does my balance sometimes go up?

Interest accrues each month based on your APR. If your payment is close to the minimum or a debt is added mid-plan, the balance can grow before it shrinks. This is normal for high-APR debts.

How accurate is the debt-free date?

The date is an estimate based on the inputs you provide and a simple monthly compounding model. Real-world results can vary due to fees, changing minimums, or rate changes. Use it as a planning guide, not a guarantee.

What happens if I add more money later?

Increasing your extra payment reduces total interest and moves your debt-free date earlier. If your budget changes, rerun the calculator with the new amount. You can compare scenarios to see the impact.