Depreciation is the reduction in value of an asset over time. It is important for accounting and tax purposes. The depreciation per unit calculation is based on the asset's cost, salvage value, useful units, and the units used during a specific period.
Use our Depreciation Calculator to easily determine the depreciation of assets over time. Depreciation is a key concept in accounting and finance, allowing businesses and individuals to allocate the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life. Whether you're calculating straight-line depreciation, declining balance depreciation, or other methods, our tool helps you calculate depreciation quickly and accurately.
Depreciation refers to the reduction in value of an asset over time, which is typically due to wear and tear, age, or obsolescence. Businesses use depreciation to allocate the cost of an asset over its expected useful life, allowing them to claim tax deductions each year.
The Straight-Line method assumes that the asset will lose an equal amount of value each year throughout its useful life. This is the simplest method and is commonly used for assets with consistent usage.
Formula: Annual Depreciation = (Cost of Asset - Salvage Value) / Useful Life (in years)All Calculator
Example:
Initial cost: $10,000
Salvage value: $1,000
Useful life: 5 years
The annual depreciation would be: $10,000 - $1,000 / 5 = $1,800 per year.
The Declining Balance method assumes the asset loses value more quickly in the earlier years. Depreciation is calculated based on the asset's remaining book value.
Formula: Depreciation = Book Value at Start of Year × Depreciation Rate
Example:
Initial cost: $10,000
Depreciation rate: 20%
First year depreciation: $10,000 × 20% = $2,000.
In subsequent years, depreciation is calculated on the remaining value.
The Units of Production method ties depreciation to the asset's use, making it ideal for machinery or equipment. Depreciation is based on the number of units produced or hours used.
Formula: Depreciation per Unit = (Cost of Asset - Salvage Value) / Total Units or Hours Expected
Example:
Initial cost: $10,000
Salvage value: $1,000
Total expected units: 50,000 units
Depreciation per unit: ($10,000 - $1,000) / 50,000 = $0.18 per unit.