Last checked: 4 November 2026. General information, not regulated debt advice.
Want to know when you’ll be debt-free? Enter each of your debts below, add the extra amount you can pay each month, and this free debt snowball calculator shows your debt-free date, the total interest you’ll pay and the order your debts will be cleared, using both the snowball (smallest balance first) and avalanche (highest interest first) methods. It also shows how much you save compared with paying only the minimums.
I’m not a debt adviser, and this is general information, not advice. If you’re struggling to make your minimum payments, please speak to a free debt adviser first (details at the end). See my financial disclaimer.
Debt snowball vs avalanche calculator (UK)
Enter each debt from your latest statements, then the extra amount you can pay each month on top of the minimums.
How to use the debt snowball calculator
- Get your latest statements for every credit card, store card, overdraft, loan, car finance and Buy Now, Pay Later plan.
- Enter each debt: a name, the balance, the APR (the interest rate on your statement) and the minimum monthly payment. Use “Add another debt” for up to 10.
- Enter your extra payment: how much more you can pay each month on top of all the minimums. Even £25 makes a difference. My how to make a monthly budget guide helps you find it.
- Press the button and compare the results.
For a 0% card, enter 0 as the APR, but remember the 0% will end, so the real cost will be higher once it does.
What is the debt snowball method?
With the debt snowball, you pay the minimum on every debt, then put all your extra money towards the smallest balance first. When it’s cleared, you roll its payment into the next smallest, so your payments “snowball” as you go.
Why people love it: you clear your first debt quickly, which feels great and keeps you going.
What is the debt avalanche method?
With the debt avalanche, you pay the minimum on everything, then put your extra money towards the debt with the highest interest rate first.
Why people love it: it usually costs the least in interest, sometimes by a lot if one debt has a much higher rate.
Snowball or avalanche: which should you choose?
| Snowball | Avalanche | |
|---|---|---|
| Pays first | Smallest balance | Highest APR |
| Total interest | Usually a bit more | Usually the least |
| Motivation | Quick early wins | Slower first win |
| Best for | People who need to see progress | People driven by the numbers |
If the calculator shows only a small difference, pick the one you’re more likely to stick with. A plan you keep beats a “perfect” plan you abandon. There’s a worked example and more on choosing in my debt snowball vs avalanche guide.
Tips to become debt-free faster
- Stop adding to the debts while you pay them off. Remove saved card details from shopping sites.
- Keep a small emergency fund so a surprise bill doesn’t go back on a card. See my £1,000 emergency fund guide.
- Put windfalls towards your target debt: tax refunds, cashback, money from selling things you don’t use.
- Ask for a lower rate. If you have a good payment history, it’s worth asking your card provider.
- Consider a 0% balance transfer, but only with a plan. My balance transfer calculator shows whether the fee is worth it.
- Track your progress. My Debt Payoff Progress Tracker lets you colour in each debt as it shrinks.
If you can’t afford your minimum payments
This calculator assumes you can pay at least the minimums. If you can’t, or if the calculator warns that a minimum payment doesn’t cover the interest, please don’t struggle alone:
- Read which debts to pay first, because rent, council tax and energy come before credit cards.
- Contact your lenders before you miss a payment. My guide to negotiating a payment plan has a letter template.
- Get free, confidential debt advice: National Debtline 0808 808 4000 (England and Wales) or StepChange 0800 138 1111.
Debt snowball calculator: people also ask
How does a debt snowball calculator work?
It works out each month’s interest on every debt, takes the minimum payments, then puts your extra payment towards the smallest balance. When a debt is cleared, its payment rolls on to the next one. It repeats this month by month until everything is paid.
Is the debt snowball or avalanche better in the UK?
The avalanche usually costs less in interest, because it clears the most expensive debt first. The snowball gives quicker wins, which helps many people stick with it. The best one is the one you’ll follow.
How accurate is this calculator?
It’s a good estimate, but real lenders calculate interest and minimum payments in slightly different ways, minimums often fall as balances drop, and promotional rates end. Use it to compare methods and see roughly when you could be debt-free.
Should I include my mortgage or student loan?
Usually not. Mortgages are long-term secured debts, and student loan repayments depend on your income and don’t work like other debts. This calculator is designed for credit cards, overdrafts, loans, car finance and similar debts.
What if I have a 0% credit card?
Enter 0% as the APR, but note when the 0% period ends. After that, interest will be charged and your real payoff date will be later. Try to clear it before the 0% ends.
Next step
Once you’ve chosen a method, write your plan down and set up a standing order for your extra payment on payday. Then read my step-by-step guide to how to get out of debt in the UK, or go back to the debt and credit UK guide.
General information only. I’m not a debt adviser. If you’re struggling, please contact a free, confidential debt advice service such as MoneyHelper, StepChange or National Debtline.