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Declining-balance depreciation

Reduce the prior balance by a fixed annual percentage without going below residual value.

How this works

Remaining book value = max(residual value, cost × (1−r)^n), where r is the annual depreciation percentage divided by 100 and n is whole years elapsed. Accumulated depreciation = cost − remaining book value. The residual value acts as a floor.

Example

The illustration may use different inputs from the reproducible default inputs listed below.

The defaults give $10,000 × (1 − 0.20)^3 = $5,120, which is above the $1,000 residual floor. Accumulated depreciation is $10,000 − $5,120 = $4,880. With all reset-default inputs, remaining book value: $5,120.

Asset cost ($)
10000
Minimum residual value ($)
1000
Annual depreciation rate (%)
20
Whole years elapsed
3
Remaining book value
$5,120

Scope and assumptions

Uses the same entered percentage each year and does not switch to straight-line depreciation. It excludes partial-year conventions, impairment and tax rules. This is a book-value illustration, not an estimate of resale value.

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