What depreciation methods does this calculator support?

It supports straight-line, declining balance, double declining balance, sum-of-years-digits, and selected MACRS GDS half-year table estimates for common recovery classes.

Is MACRS the same as book depreciation?

No. MACRS is a U.S. tax depreciation system. Book depreciation methods such as straight-line or declining balance are commonly used for accounting estimates and may not match tax deductions.

Does the calculator include Section 179 or bonus depreciation?

No. It does not model Section 179, bonus depreciation, listed-property limits, mid-quarter convention, placed-in-service details, or recapture. Use it as an educational schedule estimate.

How is straight-line depreciation calculated?

Straight-line depreciation divides depreciable basis, which is cost minus salvage value, by useful life. This produces the same annual expense until the asset reaches salvage value.

Yes. The calculations run in your browser and the inputs are not uploaded or stored by Starlight Tools.

Depreciation Calculator

Build an annual depreciation schedule for equipment, vehicles, furniture, software, or other fixed assets. Results are estimates for planning and education, not accounting, tax, or legal advice.

Inputs

Method

Currency display

Asset cost

Salvage value

Ignored for MACRS table estimates.

Useful life

Years for book depreciation methods.

Placed-in-service year

Declining balance factor

Used only for declining balance.

MACRS property class

Selected IRS-style percentage tables; excludes mid-quarter and real-property conventions.

Depreciation Schedule

Year	Depreciation	Accumulated	Ending book value	Rate
Enter values and calculate to build a schedule.

How to Use This Depreciation Calculator

Use book methods for planning an internal asset schedule with cost, salvage value, and useful life.
Use MACRS only as a table estimate for common U.S. GDS half-year property classes. It does not decide whether an asset qualifies for a class.
Check the ending value. Book methods stop at salvage value; MACRS table estimates depreciate the entered basis according to the selected table percentages.
Download the CSV if you need a clean annual schedule for a spreadsheet.

Formulas and Assumptions

Straight-line: (cost - salvage value) / useful life
Declining balance: beginning book value x (factor / useful life), capped so book value does not fall below salvage
Double declining balance: beginning book value x (2 / useful life), capped at salvage
Sum-of-years-digits: (cost - salvage) x remaining life / [life x (life + 1) / 2]
MACRS estimate: cost x selected annual IRS-style half-year table percentage

The MACRS option is based on the percentage-table approach described in IRS Publication 946 for common GDS property classes. Publication 946 explains that MACRS deductions depend on the property class, basis, recovery period, convention, and depreciation method, and that IRS percentage tables incorporate the applicable convention and method for those tables. See IRS Publication 946 for current U.S. tax guidance.

This page does not model Section 179 deductions, bonus depreciation, listed-property limits, luxury auto limits, mid-quarter convention, mid-month convention, tax elections, recapture, disposals, impairment, partial business use, or local tax rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is depreciation?

Depreciation spreads the cost of a long-lived asset over the periods in which it is used. It is an accounting and tax concept, but book depreciation and tax depreciation can produce different schedules.

When should I use straight-line depreciation?

Straight-line depreciation is useful when an asset's benefit is expected to be consumed evenly over its useful life. It gives the same annual depreciation amount until the asset reaches salvage value.

Why use declining balance or sum-of-years-digits?

Accelerated methods place more depreciation in earlier years. They can better match assets that lose value or productivity faster near the beginning of their lives.

Can I use the MACRS result for my tax return?

Do not rely on this page alone for tax filing. MACRS treatment depends on asset classification, service date, convention, elections, law changes, and limits. Review IRS guidance and consult a qualified tax professional when needed.

Does Starlight Tools store my inputs?

No. The calculator runs client-side in your browser and does not upload the values you enter.