The straight-line depreciation formula with examples

Depreciation already charged in prior periods is not revised in case of a revision in the depreciation charge due to a change in estimates. The most important difference between this formula and other common depreciation formulas is the denominator. Other methods have a denominator of 1 or 1/2 depending on whether an asset was acquired during its first year or after it had been in use for 1 year.

It’s possible to find this information on the product’s packaging, website or by speaking to a brand representative. It prevents bias in situations when the pattern of economic benefits from an asset is hard to estimate. As $500 calculated above represents the depreciation cost for 12 months, it has been reduced to 6 months equivalent to reflect the number of months the asset was actually available for use. The depreciation of an asset under the straight-line depreciation method is constant per year.

1. If you want to take the equation a step further, you can divide the annual depreciation expense by twelve to determine monthly depreciation.
2. Many accountants use a simple, easy-to-use method called the straight-line basis.
3. Only tangible assets, or assets you can touch, can be depreciated, with intangible assets amortized instead.
4. You can calculate the asset’s life span by determining the number of years it will remain useful.
5. If we estimate the salvage value at $3,000, this is a total depreciable cost of $10,000.

Many accountants use a simple, easy-to-use method called the straight-line basis. Whether you’re creating a balance sheet to see how your business stands or an income statement to see whether it’s turning a profit, you need to calculate depreciation. Things wear out at different rates, which calls for different methods of depreciation, like the double declining balance method, the sum of years method, or the unit-of-production method. Straight-line depreciation is a simple method for calculating how much a particular fixed asset depreciates (loses value) over time. For example, let’s say that you buy new computers for your business at an initial cost of $12,000, and you depreciate their value at 25% per year. If we estimate the salvage value at $3,000, this is a total depreciable cost of $10,000.

To calculate depreciation using a straight-line basis, simply divide the net price (purchase price less the salvage price) by the number of useful years of life the asset has. Check out our guide to Form 4562 for more information on calculating depreciation and amortization for tax purposes. According to straight-line depreciation, this is how much depreciation you have to subtract from the value of an asset each year to know its book value. Book value refers to the total value of an asset, taking into account how much it’s depreciated up to the current point in time. In a nutshell, the depreciation method used depends on the nature of the assets in question, as well as the company’s preference.

Step 5: Multiply depreciation rate by asset cost

Quickonomics provides free access to education on economic topics to everyone around the world. Our mission is to empower people to make better decisions for their personal success and the benefit of society. According to straight-line depreciation, your MacBook will depreciate $300 every year. The Ascent is a Motley Fool service that rates and reviews essential products for your everyday money matters. We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The easiest way to determine the useful life of an asset is to refer to the IRS tables, which are found in Publication 946, referenced above.

The Practicality of Straight Line Depreciation

After using the straight-line depreciation method, the IRS allows businesses to use the straight-line method to write off certain business expenses under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). Straight line depreciation method charges cost evenly throughout the useful life of a fixed asset. Yes, straight line depreciation can be used for tax purposes on real estate properties. In the United States, residential rental properties are depreciated using the straight line method over a period of 27.5 years, while commercial properties utilize a 39-year period. This entry represents the decrease in the asset’s value over time and increases the accumulated depreciation balance, which is a contra-asset account.

It is considered more accurate in reflecting an asset’s wear and tear than the straight-line approach, especially for assets whose usage significantly fluctuates. On the balance sheet, depreciation affects both the assets and the accumulated depreciation accounts. When a company purchases a capital asset, it is variable cost definition recorded at its original cost in the fixed assets section. The accumulated depreciation, which is a contra asset account, is used to represent the total depreciation expense that the asset has accumulated over its useful life.

For example, for an asset with a 10-year life, the straight-line rate would be 10% (100% / 10 years). By employing this method, businesses can distribute an equal amount of depreciation expense for each year of the asset’s useful life. This straightforward approach allows organizations to predict and manage their expenses more efficiently, ensuring a consistent representation of asset values on their financial statements.

Step 2: Calculate and subtract salvage value from asset cost

There are good reasons for using both of these methods, and the right one depends on the asset type in question. The straight-line depreciation method is the easiest to use, so it makes for simplified accounting calculations. Before you can calculate depreciation of any kind, you must first determine the useful life of the asset you wish to depreciate.

The final cost of the tractor, including tax and delivery, is $25,000, and the expected salvage value is $6,000. According to the table above, Jim can depreciate the tractor over a three-year period. This approach calculates depreciation as a percentage and then depreciates the asset at twice the percentage rate.

Straight line depreciation is an accounting method used to allocate the cost of a fixed asset over its expected useful life. It is calculated by dividing the cost of the asset, less its salvage value, by its useful life. This method is widely used because it is straightforward, and it helps organizations accurately reflect the value of their assets on financial statements. However, tax regulations vary by country, and some tax authorities may favor accelerated depreciation methods, such as the double-declining balance method, for certain types of assets. It is essential to consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with local tax laws.

Streamline your accounting and save time

In finance, a straight-line basis is a method for calculating depreciation and amortization. It is calculated by subtracting an asset’s salvage value from its current value and dividing the result by the number of years until it reaches its salvage value. The units of production method is based on an asset’s usage, activity, or units of goods produced. Therefore, depreciation would be higher in periods of high usage and lower in periods of low usage. This method can be used to depreciate assets where variation in usage is an important factor, such as cars based on miles driven or photocopiers on copies made.

Recording depreciation affects both your income statement and your balance sheet. To record the purchase of the copier and the monthly depreciation expense, you’ll need to make the following journal entries. This method calculates depreciation by looking at the number of units generated in a given year. This method is useful for businesses that have significant year-to-year fluctuations in production. After you gather these figures, add them up to determine the total purchase price.

Someone on our team will connect you with a financial professional in checking account meaning our network holding the correct designation and expertise. Our team of reviewers are established professionals with decades of experience in areas of personal finance and hold many advanced degrees and certifications. Download CFI’s free Excel template now to advance your finance knowledge and perform better financial analysis. Therefore, Company A would depreciate the machine at the amount of $16,000 annually for 5 years.