About this tool
Two popular debt-payoff orderings. Avalanche always pays extra to the highest-rate debt (mathematically optimal). Snowball pays extra to the smallest balance (psychologically motivating because you clear debts faster). Both work - pick what you'll stick with.
How it works
The simulator pays each debt's minimum (assumed 2% of balance, $25 floor) and applies all leftover budget to the priority target. When a debt clears, its payment rolls into the next.
How to use the Debt Payoff Calculator
The Debt Payoff Calculator is a browser-based tool that runs entirely on your device. Inputs you enter never reach a server - all calculations happen client-side in JavaScript. This means:
- Privacy: nothing is logged, sent, or stored by 3Tej. Inputs disappear when you close the tab.
- Speed: results update as you type. No network round trip.
- Offline use: once the page is cached, it works without internet.
- No signup: no account, no email, no rate limits.
Step by step
- Enter your inputs in the form above. Each field is labeled with its unit (currency, percent, kg, etc.) and the expected range.
- Read the result as it updates. The number reflects the formula commonly accepted in Debt Payoff-related calculations.
- Adjust to see sensitivity: change one input at a time and watch how the output moves. This is the fastest way to understand which variable matters most.
- Copy or screenshot the result for later reference. The page state persists for the session if your browser allows it.
When you would use this
- Quick estimates: when you need a number now and don't want to open a spreadsheet.
- Sensitivity analysis: testing how a result changes as inputs vary, before committing to a real-world decision.
- Comparison: running the same calculation with different inputs to compare options side by side.
- Learning: building intuition for how the underlying math behaves.
- Documentation: capturing a snapshot of inputs and outputs at a point in time.
The formula explained
This calculator uses the following formula:
Each month: pay minimums on all + extra to target debt; when one is cleared, roll its payment into the next target
The reason this formula works is rooted in the underlying physics, finance, or biology of the problem. Behind every calculator is a published, peer-reviewed equation or a widely accepted convention. We do not invent formulas; we apply standard ones from textbooks, government tables, professional bodies, and academic literature.
If you are curious about the math, the simplest way to verify is to plug in two known numbers and compare against a known result. The calculator should match published examples to within rounding precision.
Frequently asked questions
Why does snowball cost more?
It ignores rate. Paying off a 6% loan before a 22% one means more interest accrues on the 22% balance.
How much more does avalanche save?
Typically 5-15% in interest depending on your specific rates and balances. Bigger spreads (e.g., 22% vs 4%) make it matter more.
What if I keep using my credit cards?
Then you'll never finish. Pause new charges or freeze the card while in payoff mode.
Should I use a HELOC to consolidate?
Only if disciplined - converting unsecured debt to debt secured by your home is risky if you can't pay it back.
Is the Debt Payoff Calculator accurate?
The Debt Payoff Calculator applies the standard formula for debt payoff. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences, use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional or the relevant official source.
Is the Debt Payoff Calculator free?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads that appear around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved?
No. Inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but does not see what you type into the form.
Can I use the Debt Payoff Calculator on my phone?
Yes. The tool is responsive and tested on iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and major desktop browsers. Touch targets meet Apple's 44pt and Google's 48dp minimum guidance.
How do I report a bug or suggest improvement to the Debt Payoff Calculator?
Email hi@3tej.com with the URL of this page and a description of what you saw vs expected. We typically respond within 72 hours and update calculators when rules or formulas change.
How accurate is the Debt Payoff Calculator?
It applies the standard formula. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences (taxes, medical, legal, structural), use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional in the relevant field.
Is the Debt Payoff Calculator free to use?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved anywhere?
No. All inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but the analytics never see what you type into the form.
Does the Debt Payoff Calculator work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, it works without internet. The calculation runs in JavaScript on your device.
Can I share results from the Debt Payoff Calculator?
Take a screenshot or copy the output. The page doesn't generate shareable URLs for specific calculations - inputs stay in your browser only.
Why are the results different from another debt payoff tool?
Most likely: different formula assumptions, different default values, different rounding rules, or different applicable rates. Check the methodology if both tools document it. Both can be valid for different scenarios.