Debt Avalanche Calculator
Last updated: October 15, 2026
Estimate payoff time and interest using the debt avalanche method, which targets the highest APR first.
Estimated payoff time
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- Estimated total interest: —
- Total payments simulated: —
- First targeted debt: —
On this page
Quick summary: Estimate payoff time and interest using the debt avalanche method, which targets the highest APR first.
Read the complete guide
Updated reference sections in this guide are in English.
Guide language: English. Updated October 15, 2026.
What this calculator does
Compare a three-debt repayment plan that pays each debt's entered minimum, then directs the remaining monthly budget to the highest APR.
How to use the calculator
Use the inputs and units named in this form. Enter a separate minimum for each active debt and an extra monthly amount.
How the calculation works
Enter each balance, APR and monthly minimum, plus an extra monthly amount. The fixed monthly budget is the initial sum of active-debt minimums plus the extra amount. Each simulated month adds APR/12 interest, pays each minimum up to that debt's balance, then allocates remaining budget by highest APR. Money released when a debt is repaid stays in the fixed monthly budget.
Worked example
For one debt of 1,000 at 0% APR, minimum 50 and extra 50, the monthly budget is 100 and payoff takes 10 months with zero interest. Enter zero balances for unused debt rows. With several debts, minimums protect the other rows while the extra budget follows the selected priority.
How to interpret the result
Compare the result with the assumptions and units shown above. The calculation uses the values entered into this page.
Assumptions and limitations
The model uses constant APRs, fixed entered minimum amounts, monthly interest and no new borrowing. It does not reproduce daily interest, changing statement minimums, fees, promotional-rate changes or lender payment rules. A plan still unpaid at the 1,200-month limit is marked as incomplete; total payments then means payments simulated, not the final lifetime payoff amount.
Common mistakes
Check the units and time period before calculating. An error message means the result cannot be calculated from the current inputs.
Privacy
The calculation runs in your browser. This form needs the numerical inputs shown, not names, account numbers or passwords.
Frequently asked questions
Are minimums paid on the other debts?
Yes. Each active debt receives its entered minimum before the remaining budget is directed by priority.
Does the monthly budget fall when one debt is cleared?
No. The freed amount continues toward the other debts in this model.
What if the budget does not repay the debts?
The simulation stops at 1,200 months and explicitly reports that repayment is incomplete.