Depreciation calculator (straight-line method)

This calculator can be used to calculate the depreciation expense of an asset over its useful life using the straight-line method. The straight-line method evenly spreads the cost of an asset over its expected useful lifespan.

Page written by Ian Hawkins. Last reviewed on May 19, 2025. Next review due October 1, 2026.

Read this article to me
$
.00
- years

This calculator is intended for illustration purposes only and exact payment terms should be agreed with a lender before taking out a loan.

Your results

Annual depreciation amount

$-

Monthly depreciation amount

$-

Depreciation period

- months

Get a quote

How to calculate depreciation (straight-line method)

Here’s how you can calculate depreciation using the straight-line method:

  1. Determine the cost of the asset.
  2. Estimate the salvage value (the value of the asset at the end of its useful life).
  3. Calculate the depreciable cost by subtracting the salvage value from the cost of the asset: Depreciable Cost = Cost of asset – salvage value.
  4. Determine the useful life of the asset in years.
  5. Divide the depreciable cost by the useful life to calculate the annual depreciation expense: Annual depreciation expense = depreciable cost / useful life.

A depreciation calculator using the straight-line method typically requires you to input the cost of the asset, salvage value, and useful life. The calculator then provides you with the annual depreciation expense.

Using this method, the asset’s value is reduced by the same amount each year, providing a systematic way to account for the reduction in value over time. This is a common method used in accounting to allocate the cost of assets and determine their book value.

Ready to grow your business?

Clever finance tips and the latest news

Delivered to your inbox monthly

Join the 95,000+ businesses just like yours getting the Swoop newsletter.

Free. No spam. Opt out whenever you like.

Our offices:

Disclaimer: Swoop Finance Ltd (Swoop) helps US firms access business finance, working directly with businesses and their trusted advisors. We are a credit broker and do not provide loans or other finance products ourselves. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Swoop can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants’ circumstances and creditworthiness. Swoop may receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such introductions. If you feel you have a complaint, please read our complaints section highlighted above and also contained within our terms and conditions.
How Swoop makes money: In order to provide services free of charge, Swoop generates revenue through commission from companies featured on our platform. The commission we receive does not impact the cost of the product, service, or policy, and your payments remain unaffected by our commission structure.

© Swoop 2025

Looks like you're in . Go to our site to find relevant products for your country. Go to Swoop