Snowball vs avalanche
Compare smallest-balance-first (snowball) with highest-rate-first (avalanche) on up to three debts — months and interest side by side.
LoanCalc Lab editorial · Methodology: reducing-balance EMI / amortisation with disclosed assumptions (fees optional where shown) · Last checked:
Your inputs
Debt 1
Debt 2
Debt 3
Results
Snowball months
2 years 5 months
Snowball interest
£1,554
Snowball order
Card B → Card A → Personal loan
Avalanche months
2 years 5 months
Avalanche interest
£1,471
Avalanche order
Card A → Card B → Personal loan
Interest difference (snowball − avalanche)
Positive means avalanche saves interest
£83
Most people next
Illustrative only — not personalised financial advice and not a credit offer. Rates, fees and terms vary by lender and country. Check the lender’s disclosure before you borrow. Full calculator disclaimer.
Equations & assumptions
Each month apply minimums to all debts; put extra (plus freed minimums from cleared debts) on the target debt. Snowball targets lowest balance; avalanche targets highest rate.
- Capital-and-interest reducing balance; monthly rate = APR ÷ 12. Representative APR on UK credit ads may include fees — we model fees separately unless stated.
- Interest accrues monthly on each remaining balance before payment.
- Needs at least two debts with balance and minimum payment.
Notes & FAQs
- Which should I choose?
- Avalanche usually costs less interest. Snowball can be easier to stick with because balances clear sooner. Run both with your numbers.