Depreciation Method Comparison Calculator
See straight-line, double declining balance, and sum-of-years-digits depreciation side by side so you can compare how quickly each method writes off an asset.
Inputs explained
- Asset cost — The purchase cost of the asset.
- Salvage value — Expected residual value at the end of its useful life. Must be less than the cost.
- Useful life — The asset's depreciable life in years.
How to use it
- Fill in the fields above — each input has a hint describing exactly what to enter
- Press Calculate to get your result instantly, right on this page
- Copy the result, save the tool to favorites, or share and embed it anywhere
Understanding the result
Example: For a $10,000 asset with $1,000 salvage over 5 years: straight-line is $1,800/yr, double declining balance year 1 is $4,000, and sum-of-years-digits year 1 is $3,000.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the double declining balance depreciation so much higher in year 1? Double declining balance applies a fixed rate (double the straight-line rate) to the remaining book value each year, front-loading depreciation heavily in early years and tapering off later, unlike straight-line's constant annual amount.
Which method should I use for tax purposes? This tool is for comparison only — actual allowable depreciation methods (like MACRS in the US) are set by tax law and may not exactly match straight-line, double declining, or sum-of-years-digits, so consult tax guidance before filing.
Is the Depreciation Method Comparison Calculator free to use? Yes — it is completely free, with no sign-up, no download and no usage limits. You can use it as often as you need.
Is my data private? Yes. The calculation runs entirely in your browser — the values you enter are never sent to our servers, stored or shared with anyone.
What information do I need? Just the following: Asset cost, Salvage value, Useful life. Each field includes a hint explaining exactly what to enter.
Can I use it on my phone? Yes — the tool is fully responsive and works on any device, and the same calculator is available in the EasyWorkCalcs mobile app.
Privacy
Everything you enter into the Depreciation Method Comparison Calculator is processed entirely in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, stored or shared — your data stays on your device.