Inputs
$
$
Declining balance caps at salvage value automatically.
If omitted, units are spread evenly across periods.
Depreciation Schedule
Method: SL
Granularity: Annual
| Period | Label | Beginning BV | Depreciation | Accumulated | Ending BV | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
BV = Book Value. Schedule automatically prevents depreciation below the salvage value.
Example Data Table
Click Load to populate inputs with a preset scenario.
| Name | Cost | Salvage | Life (yrs) | Method | Granularity | Total Units | Units CSV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front‑load Washer | 1200 | 100 | 5 | SL | ANNUAL | |||
| Commercial Dryer | 3400 | 200 | 7 | DDB | ANNUAL | |||
| Dishwasher | 900 | 90 | 6 | SYD | MONTHLY | |||
| Ice Maker (UOP) | 2500 | 200 | 4 | UOP | ANNUAL | 16000 | 3600, 4000, 4200, 4200 |
Formulas Used
Let
C be cost, S salvage, n life in years, BV book value, and D depreciation expense.
- Straight‑Line (SL):
D = (C − S) / nper year. Monthly schedule divides the yearly amount equally into 12. - Double‑Declining Balance (DDB): Annual rate
r = 2 / n. Each period:D = r × BVbegin, with a cap so thatBVend ≥ S. Monthly usesr_m = 1 − (1 − r)^{1/12}to compound monthly and the same salvage cap. - Sum‑of‑Years‑Digits (SYD): Denominator
n(n+1)/2. Yeart(1 is first):D_t = (n − t + 1) / [n(n+1)/2] × (C − S). Monthly divides each year’s amount equally by 12. - Units of Production (UOP): With total units
Uand period unitsu_t,D_t = (u_t / U) × (C − S). If no CSV is given, the calculator spreads units evenly across periods.
All methods enforce the salvage floor so total depreciation never exceeds
C − S.How to Use
- Enter Cost, Salvage value, and Useful life. Optionally set an in‑service date for clearer labels.
- Choose a Method. For UOP, provide total units and optionally a CSV of units per period.
- Select Schedule granularity (Annual or Monthly) and click Calculate.
- Review the schedule table. Use the download buttons to export CSV or PDF.
- Try presets from the Example Data Table to see contrasting patterns.
FAQs
There is no universal best. Straight‑line gives steady expense. Declining balance front‑loads expense. SYD is another accelerated pattern. Units of production ties expense to actual usage.
No. The calculator caps depreciation so ending book value never falls below the salvage value.
Use the Monthly option for finer granularity. Monthly schedules divide yearly amounts or apply a monthly rate, giving more realistic timing across months.
Yes in practice many policies switch from accelerated to straight‑line when that yields a higher remaining expense. This tool models one method at a time.
It is educational and planning oriented. Always follow your accounting policy and local tax rules. Useful lives and conventions may differ by jurisdiction.
You estimate total lifetime units then expense proportionally each period based on units actually produced or used. Provide a CSV to vary usage by period.
You can set salvage to zero. If uncertain, consider a conservative estimate to avoid overstating depreciation.