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Depreciation (Sum Of Years) Calculator

Work out depreciation (sum of years) instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Depreciation (Sum Of Years) Calculator

Sum-of-the-years'-digits is an accelerated method that allocates the depreciable amount in descending fractions. With a six-year life the denominator is 21, so year one takes 6/21 and year six takes 1/21 — front-loaded, but unlike declining balance it fully depreciates to residual value.

Formulas

Denominator

Sum of years = Life x (Life + 1) / 2

Year charge

Charge = (Cost - Residual) x (Life - Year + 1) / Sum of years

Worked example

With the default values below, Depreciation (Sum Of Years) Calculator returns Depreciation for the selected year of $17,142.86. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Asset cost
80,000
Residual value
8,000
Useful life
6 years
Year to report
2

Results

Depreciation for the selected year
$17,142.86
Sum of the years' digits
21
Fraction of depreciable amount
23.81%
Book value at year end
$42,285.71

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Denominator
  3. 3Year charge
  4. 4Depreciation for the selected year= 17,142.86
  5. 5Sum of the years' digits= 21
  6. 6Fraction of depreciable amount= 23.81
  7. 7Book value at year end= 42,285.71

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • This is an estimate for general information and not professional financial, tax or legal advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose SYD over declining balance?

Because it reaches residual value exactly at the end of life with no switch or truncation, while still front-loading the charge.

Is SYD accepted for tax?

It is a recognised accounting method but tax treatment varies; many jurisdictions prescribe their own schedules instead.

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Depreciation (Sum Of Years) Calculator | Calcrivo