Cash Calculator
Depreciation Calculator
Compare straight line and reducing balance depreciation methods with annual schedules, accumulated depreciation and closing book value over time.
What this compares
Straight line annual depreciation versus reducing balance depreciation
Review annual charges, accumulated depreciation and closing book value across the useful life of the asset.
Asset inputs
Enter the asset cost, residual value, useful life and the reducing balance rate. The calculator will compare both methods year by year automatically.
Assumption: straight line spreads the depreciable amount evenly to the residual value across the useful life. Reducing balance applies the selected percentage to the opening book value each year and will not reduce below the residual value in this calculator.
Headline comparison
These cards show the key differences between both depreciation methods under the current assumptions.
Method comparison table
Review the main metrics side by side before moving into the annual schedule.
| Metric | Straight line | Reducing balance | Difference (RB - SL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asset cost | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Residual value | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Useful life | 0 years | 0 years | 0 years |
| Method rate / annual charge | £0.00 | 0.00% | £0.00 |
| Year 1 depreciation | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Total depreciation over useful life | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
| Closing book value at end | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |
Book value graph
The graph shows how the carrying value changes year by year under both methods.
Straight line
Reducing balance
The chart updates as soon as you change any asset assumption.
Annual depreciation schedule
Compare the opening value, annual depreciation, accumulated depreciation and closing value year by year.
| Year | Opening value (SL) | Depreciation (SL) | Accumulated (SL) | Closing value (SL) | Opening value (RB) | Depreciation (RB) | Accumulated (RB) | Closing value (RB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 |