How to calculate depreciation in Excel and Google Sheets

Excel & Google Sheets

=SLN(A2,B2,C2)

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=SLN(A2,B2,C2)→1800

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1Set up three columns: Asset Cost (A), Salvage Value (B), and Useful Life in Years (C).
2In the Annual Depreciation column, enter =SLN(A2,B2,C2). This returns the equal depreciation charge for each year under the straight-line method.
3For declining balance depreciation, use =DB(A2,B2,C2,period) where the last argument is the year number (1, 2, 3, etc.).

Use SYD (Sum of Years Digits) for accelerated depreciation: =SYD(cost,salvage,life,period). DDB gives double-declining balance depreciation.

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SLN gives the same depreciation amount each year (straight-line). DB gives higher depreciation in early years that declines over time (accelerated).

Yes. Use SLN in the first year column and fill down; for DB, use the period argument (1, 2, 3…) down each row to get each year's charge.

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Last reviewed: May 28, 2026