Depreciation Calculator
Straight-line and declining balance schedules.
Enter your values
Enter the asset cost in $.
Enter the salvage value in $.
Enter the useful life in years.
Choose one of: Straight line, Double declining.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Annual depreciation (straight line)
- $5,400.00
- Total depreciated
- $27,000.00
- Book value at end
- $3,000.00
- Depreciable base
- $27,000.00
| Year | Depreciation | Book value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,400.00 | $24,600.00 |
| 2 | $5,400.00 | $19,200.00 |
| 3 | $5,400.00 | $13,800.00 |
| 4 | $5,400.00 | $8,400.00 |
| 5 | $5,400.00 | $3,000.00 |
Quick answer
Depreciation spreads an asset's cost across its useful life; straight-line is even, declining balance front-loads the expense.
Straight line = (Cost − Salvage) ÷ Life
At a glance
| What it does | Straight-line and declining balance schedules. |
|---|---|
| Category | Business |
| Inputs needed | Asset cost, Salvage value, Useful life, Method |
| Main output | Annual depreciation (straight line) |
| Formula | Straight line = (Cost − Salvage) ÷ Life |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Depreciation Calculator
- 1Enter the asset cost and expected salvage value.
- 2Enter the useful life in years.
- 3Pick a depreciation method.
Inputs explained
- Asset cost($)
- Enter the asset cost in $.
- Salvage value($)
- Enter the salvage value in $.
- Useful life(years)
- Enter the useful life in years.
- Method
- Choose one of: Straight line, Double declining.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Asset cost30000 $
- Salvage value3000 $
- Useful life5 years
- MethodStraight line
Results
- Annual depreciation (straight line)$5,400.00
- Total depreciated$27,000.00
- Book value at end$3,000.00
- Depreciable base$27,000.00
Frequently asked questions
Which method should I use?
Straight line for reporting simplicity; declining balance when the asset loses value fast.
Is this the same as MACRS?
No — US tax depreciation uses MACRS tables, which differ from book depreciation.
What do I need to enter into the Depreciation Calculator?
Just 4 values: asset cost, salvage value, useful life, method. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Depreciation Calculator work out the answer?
Depreciation spreads an asset's cost across its useful life; straight-line is even, declining balance front-loads the expense. It applies the formula Straight line = (Cost − Salvage) ÷ Life and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Depreciation Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.