Two ways to clear debt: smallest balance first, which feels good, or highest rate first, which costs less. Put your debts in and see exactly what the difference is worth — in months and in money.
Your debts
Fill in the ones you have. Leave the rest at zero. Nothing is stored anywhere.
On top of all the minimums. This is what decides everything.
What this tool does
It runs your debts month by month under the two methods people actually argue about, and shows what the difference is worth in months and in money.
Highest rate first sends every spare coin to the most expensive debt. It costs the least overall. Smallest balance first sends it to the smallest debt instead. It costs a little more, and it clears one whole debt quickly, which is the part that keeps people going.
Both plans keep paying the minimum on everything else. When one debt dies, its payment is not relaxed — it moves onto the next debt. That is where the speed comes from.
When you should use it
When you are paying a bit on everything and nothing seems to move.
Before deciding whether to consolidate, so you know what the current plan actually costs.
When you get extra money and want to see what an extra amount per month really buys.
To find your own debt-free date, which is far more motivating than a vague hope.
How to read the answer
Months to debt free — your date. Write it somewhere you will see it.
Total interest — what the debt costs you on top of what you borrowed. This is the number that makes the extra payment feel worth it.
The difference between the two plans — if it is small, take the smallest-balance plan, because finishing matters more than optimising. If it is large, the highest-rate plan is worth the patience.
What the extra payment buys — usually far more than expected, because every month removed also removes its interest.
Example. Three debts, minimums of 220 a month and 100 extra. Highest-rate first clears everything a little sooner and saves interest compared with smallest-balance first. But if you have already started and stopped twice, the plan that gives you a visible win in month three is the better plan — a plan you finish beats a plan that is theoretically perfect.
What this tool cannot tell you
It assumes fixed interest rates and no new borrowing. One new purchase on a card undoes the whole schedule.
It ignores fees, penalties and promotional rates that end.
It does not know your local rules on early repayment. Some loans charge for it.
It cannot tell you whether to consolidate; that depends on the offer in front of you and on whether the old cards get used again.
It is not advice. Nothing you type is sent anywhere or saved.
Common questions
Which debt should I pay off first?
Highest interest rate saves the most money. Smallest balance gives the fastest visible win. Use this tool to see the gap between the two, then pick the one you will actually finish.
What is the debt snowball versus the avalanche?
The snowball targets the smallest balance first for motivation. The avalanche targets the highest interest rate first for cost. Both roll each cleared payment into the next debt.
Should I pay minimums on everything while attacking one debt?
Yes, always. Missing a minimum brings penalties and damages your standing, which costs more than the interest you were trying to save.
Is it better to invest or to pay off debt?
Compare the interest rate with a realistic return. Debt above roughly eight to ten percent is usually worth clearing first, because paying it off is a guaranteed return, while investment returns are not.
Next step
Debt-free date set? Then keep the same payment and point it somewhere better.