Free Debt Payoff Calculator — Snowball & Avalanche

SBD-CAL28 is a free debt payoff calculator that helps you build a personalized repayment plan using the snowball or avalanche method. Enter your credit cards, student loans, car payments, or medical bills and see exactly when you will be debt free. Compare both methods side by side, see how extra payments shorten your timeline, and download a month-by-month schedule. No signup. No email. No data stored. Built on CFPB-aligned methodology, SBD-CAL28 runs entirely in your browser so your financial information stays private.

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CFPB-aligned methodology -- see how it works

About This Calculator

SBD-CAL28 uses CFPB-aligned methodology to calculate debt payoff timelines. Monthly interest is computed as (annual rate / 12) x remaining balance. The snowball method sorts debts by balance ascending; avalanche sorts by interest rate descending. When a debt reaches zero, its minimum payment rolls forward to the next target. All calculations run locally in your browser — no data is sent to any server.

Last updated: February 20, 2026

Methodology references: CFPB Debt Management | Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the debt snowball method?

The debt snowball method pays off debts from smallest balance to largest. When one debt is eliminated, its payment rolls into the next. This builds psychological momentum through quick wins and is widely recommended for people who need motivation to stay on track.

What is the debt avalanche method?

The debt avalanche method pays off debts from highest interest rate to lowest. This minimizes total interest paid and is mathematically optimal for saving the most money over the life of your payoff plan.

Snowball vs avalanche — which is better?

Avalanche saves more money in interest. Snowball provides faster emotional wins. Research from Harvard Business Review suggests snowball may lead to higher completion rates due to motivation. The best method is the one you will stick with. Use this calculator to compare both side by side.

How much extra should I pay toward debt each month?

Even an extra $50 per month can cut years off your payoff timeline. Use this calculator to see exactly how extra payments affect your debt-free date and total interest paid. There is no minimum — any amount helps.

How to pay off debt fast?

Choose either the snowball or avalanche method. List all debts with balances, rates, and minimums. Add any extra monthly payment you can afford. Pay minimums on all debts except your target, which gets all extra funds. When that debt hits zero, roll its payment to the next target.

Can I pay off all my debt in 2 years?

It depends on your total debt, interest rates, and how much you can pay monthly. Enter your numbers into this calculator to see your exact timeline. Many users find that increasing their monthly payment by even $100-200 can dramatically shorten their payoff window.

How much interest will I pay on my debt?

Total interest depends on your balances, rates, and payment strategy. This calculator shows your exact total interest for both snowball and avalanche methods, plus how much you save with extra payments versus minimums only.

Is this calculator really free?

Yes. SBD-CAL28 is 100% free with no signup, no email required, and no data stored. All calculations happen in your browser. You can export your plan as CSV or print it at any time.

Free Debt Payoff Calculator — Snowball & Avalanche

About This Calculator

How the Debt Snowball Method Works

How the Debt Avalanche Method Works

Frequently Asked Questions