Is avalanche always cheaper than snowball?

Mathematically, yes or a tie — prioritizing the highest interest rate always minimizes or matches total interest paid compared to any other order, though the difference can be small if your rates are similar.

Debt Avalanche Calculator

Loans & Debt

Pay off your debts highest-interest-first to minimize total interest paid.

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Changing the display currency only changes the symbol shown — amounts aren't converted, since this tool doesn't use live exchange rates.

Debt name	Balance	APR %	Min. payment

Extra monthly budget (beyond minimums)

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Total interest paid

Payoff order

How this is calculated

Every debt gets its minimum payment each month; any extra budget goes entirely to the debt with the highest interest rate. Once that debt is paid off, its former payment rolls into the extra budget for the next-highest-rate debt.

Frequently asked questions

Is avalanche always cheaper than snowball?: Mathematically, yes or a tie — prioritizing the highest interest rate always minimizes or matches total interest paid compared to any other order, though the difference can be small if your rates are similar.

Debt Snowball Calculator

Pay off your debts smallest-balance-first and see your full payoff order and timeline.

Debt Payoff Calculator

See the payoff timeline and total interest for multiple debts paid at their minimum payments.

Extra Payment Calculator

See exactly how much time and interest an extra monthly payment saves on any loan.