Depreciation Calculator
Work out how much an asset depreciates each year, by straight-line or declining-balance methods.
Spreading a cost over time
Depreciation is how the cost of a long-lived asset — a vehicle, machine or computer — is spread across the years it is used rather than counted all at once. This works out the yearly depreciation and the remaining book value, so you can see how an asset's accounting value falls over its useful life.
Enter the cost, useful life and method to see the schedule.
Straight-line versus declining-balance
The two common methods give very different patterns. Straight-line spreads the cost evenly, the same amount each year, which is simple and suits assets that wear steadily. Declining-balance front-loads it, taking more depreciation early and less later, which better matches assets that lose most value when new — a car being the classic example. The method affects reported profit and, in many places, tax, so which one applies is partly an accounting and tax question. This calculates the schedule; how you should depreciate a particular asset for tax is a matter for your accountant and local rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the two methods?
Straight-line depreciates evenly each year; declining-balance takes more early and less later, matching assets that lose most value when new.
Which method should I use?
It depends on the asset and your local tax rules — an accountant can advise. This calculates the schedule either way.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The calculation happens in your browser.