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Straight-line depreciation calculator

Enter the asset's original cost, its salvage value at the end of the term, and the useful life in years. The calculator works out the annual and monthly depreciation amount.

The asset's expected value at the end of its useful life — the part that never gets written off. Enter 0 if the asset fully depreciates

Result

Depreciation per year

Depreciation per month
Annual depreciation rate

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This calculation is for informational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified professional. Formulas and rates may not fit your exact situation — double-check the figures before making decisions.

How it is calculated

Straight-line depreciation per year = (original cost − salvage value) ÷ useful life. This is the simplest method: the same amount is written off in equal parts every year until the end of the term, and the depreciation rate (as % of the depreciable base) = 100% ÷ useful life in years.

The asset's book value at any point = original cost − accumulated depreciation. Since write-offs are equal each year, the book value chart is a straight line from the original cost down to the salvage value.

The straight-line method suits assets that wear out and lose usefulness evenly year to year. If an asset loses value faster early on (e.g. a vehicle or equipment with high obsolescence), accelerated depreciation reflects reality more accurately — see the separate calculator.

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