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Debt Payoff Calculator

See how long it takes to pay off credit card or loan debt and how much interest you will pay.

Results are estimates for planning purposes only. See our Disclaimer. Last reviewed: October 2026.

About the Debt Payoff Calculator

This free debt payoff calculator helps people in the United States get a quick, private estimate before they talk to a lender, insurer, employer or advisor. There is no signup, nothing is stored on our servers and every result updates instantly in your browser.

How this calculator works

The payoff time is n = -ln(1 - r*B/P) / ln(1 + r), where B is balance, P is the monthly payment and r the monthly interest rate. If the payment does not exceed monthly interest, the debt never shrinks.

Worked example

$8,000 at 22% APR with $300 per month takes about 37 months and costs around $3,080 in interest. Change any input above to see how the result moves, which is the fastest way to understand which factor matters most for you.

Tips to get a better result

Pay more than the minimum, target the highest-APR debt first (avalanche) or the smallest balance first (snowball), and avoid new charges while paying down.

Key factors that change your result

Interest compounds monthly, so paying even slightly above the minimum cuts the payoff time sharply. If you have several debts, the avalanche method (highest APR first) saves the most interest, while the snowball method (smallest balance first) builds momentum.

Accuracy and limits

Every calculator on Tools30 uses standard published formulas combined with average US market assumptions. Real offers depend on your credit profile, state, provider and personal circumstances, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm with an official quote or a licensed professional. Read more on our methodology page.

Frequently asked questions

Avalanche or snowball?

Avalanche saves the most money. Snowball gives quick wins that help motivation.

Why is my debt not decreasing?

Your payment may barely cover interest. Increase it.

Is the debt payoff calculator free to use?

Yes. Every calculator on Tools30 is free with no registration.

Do you store the numbers I enter?

No. Calculations run in your browser and nothing you type is sent to our servers.

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