Calculate how quickly you can pay off debt. See the impact of extra payments and compare avalanche vs snowball strategies.
CL
CalcLeap Editorial Team
Reviewed by certified professionals · Last updated April 1, 2026
Calculate how quickly you can pay off debt. See the impact of extra payments and compare avalanche vs snowball strategies.
How to Pay Off Debt Faster
The average American household carries $7,951 in credit card debt at ~20% APR. At minimum payments, that takes 19 years and costs $11,000+ in interest. Adding just $100/month cuts it to 3 years and saves $8,000.
Avalanche vs Snowball
Avalanche: Pay highest-interest debt first. Saves the most money. Snowball: Pay smallest balance first. Gives quick wins for motivation. Mathematically, avalanche always wins — but the best strategy is the one you stick with.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational and informational purposes only. Results are not financial advice and should not be relied upon for making financial decisions. Actual results may vary based on individual circumstances, market conditions, and other factors. Always consult a qualified financial advisor, CPA, or licensed professional before making financial decisions. CalcLeap is not a financial institution and does not provide financial advisory services.
📐 How We Calculate This
We use the compound interest formula: A = P(1 + r/n)^(nt), where P is principal, r is the annual rate, n is compounding frequency, and t is time in years. For retirement projections, we factor in inflation-adjusted returns using historical S&P 500 data from NYU Stern.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Actual investment returns vary based on market conditions, fees, and asset allocation. Consult a licensed financial advisor for personalized planning.