See exactly how long it will take to pay off any debt — and what the interest will cost you along the way.
Calculates month-by-month — the same way your lender accrues interest.
Most debts feel abstract until you see the timeline. This calculator turns a balance, APR, and monthly payment into a hard number: months to zero, total interest, and total cost. If your payment doesn't exceed monthly interest, the calculator tells you plainly — many people don't realize they're treading water.
Each month, interest = balance × (APR ÷ 12). Principal portion = payment − interest. Balance decreases by the principal portion. Repeat until balance reaches zero.
A $10,000 balance at 22% APR with a $300 monthly payment takes 51 months to pay off and accrues $5,225 in interest. Bumping the payment to $400 cuts that to 32 months and $2,866 — roughly half the interest.
Calculate how long it will take to pay off your credit card — or the payment needed to clear it by a target date.
Pay debts smallest-to-largest with a snowball strategy. Project the payoff order, timeline, and total interest for your full debt list.
Pay highest-APR debts first with an avalanche strategy. Project the optimal payoff order, timeline, and the total interest saved.
Compare paying off multiple debts individually against rolling them into a single consolidation loan — monthly payment, total interest, and projected savings.
Your balance will grow over time. The calculator flags this so you can increase the payment or seek hardship options.
Yes — credit cards, personal loans, medical debt, anything with a fixed APR and monthly payment.
Build a small emergency fund ($1,000–$2,500) first so an unexpected expense doesn't drive you back into debt.
This calculator is for educational and estimation purposes only. It does not provide financial, mortgage, tax, investment, or legal advice. Actual rates, payments, taxes, fees, insurance costs, eligibility, and loan terms vary by lender, location, credit profile, and market conditions. Always compare official offers and consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
Last updated June 2026 · Prepared by the mCalculator Editorial Team