Calculate Sum-of-Years Depreciation

SYD calculator to determine accelerated depreciation (Sum-of-Years-Digits)

SYD Calculator

SYD Calculation

Calculates the accelerated depreciation for a period through accelerated depreciation over the useful life.

Enter Values
Tip: Depreciation is accelerated: higher at beginning, lower later.
$
Purchase price of the asset
$
Estimated value at end of useful life
Years
Planned useful life in years
from 1 to Life
For which year to calculate depreciation?
Result
Depreciation Period:

Example & Explanation

Example: SYD Calculation
Initial Cost: $10,000
Salvage Value: $1
Useful Life: 4 Years
Period: Year 2
Depreciation: $2,999.70
SYD Concept

Definition:

SYD distributes higher depreciation in early years.

Use Case:

What is the accelerated depreciation for a year?

Formula:

SYD = (remaining years / sum) × (Cost - Salvage)

What is Sum-of-Years-Digits Depreciation?
  • SYD = Sum-of-Years-Digits
  • Accelerated depreciation method
  • Higher depreciation initially
  • Better early tax savings
  • Realistic for technology assets


Mathematical Foundation of SYD Calculation

The SYD function calculates accelerated depreciation using the sum-of-years-digits method:

Sum-of-Years-Digits Method
\[SYD = \frac{Remaining\_Years}{Sum\_of\_Digits} \times (Cost - Salvage)\]

Sum_of_Digits = Life × (Life + 1) / 2

Example Calculation
\[Sum = \frac{4 \times 5}{2} = 10\] \[SYD_{Year2} = \frac{3}{10} \times 9,999 = $2,999.70\]

Digit sequence: 4, 3, 2, 1

Parameter Descriptions

Initial Cost

The original purchase price or acquisition cost of the asset.

Example: A truck costs $50,000 → Cost = 50,000

Salvage Value

The estimated residual value of the asset at the end of its useful life.

Example: The truck is worth $5,000 after 5 years → Salvage = 5,000

Useful Life

The planned or economic useful life of the asset in years.

Example: The truck will be used for 5 years → Life = 5

Period

The specific period (year) for which depreciation is calculated. Must be between 1 and Life.

Quick Reference

Standard Example
Cost: $10,000 Salvage: $1 Life: 4 Years Period: 2 SYD ≈ $2,999.70
Digits in Example

Year 1: 4/10

Year 2: 3/10 ← current calculation

Year 3: 2/10

Year 4: 1/10

Common Scenarios

• Vehicles (4-7 years)

• Machinery (5-10 years)

• Computers (3-5 years)

• Furniture/Equipment (5-10 years)

SYD Function - Detailed Explanation

Fundamentals

The SYD (Sum-of-Years-Digits) method is an accelerated depreciation method. It recognizes that assets lose value faster in their early years.

Core Principle:
Higher depreciation initially, declining over the years.

Comparison: SLN vs. SYD

Key Differences

SLN: Uniform $2,500/year
SYD: Year 1: $4,000, Year 2: $3,000, etc.

Calculation & Benefits

SYD recognizes that technical equipment loses value faster than linear depreciation shows.

Calculation Steps:
1. Sum = Life × (Life + 1) / 2
2. Remaining = Life - Period + 1
3. SYD = (Remaining / Sum) × (Cost - Salvage)

Tax Benefits

Important Points
  • Higher initial tax deductions
  • Better early-year cash flow
  • Realistic value deterioration
  • Not always tax-accepted

Practical Depreciation Examples

Example 1: Truck

Purchase: $50,000

Salvage: $5,000

Useful Life: 5 Years

Year 1 (SYD): $15,000

Year 1 (SLN): $9,000

Example 2: Computer

Purchase: $4,000

Salvage: $400

Useful Life: 4 Years

Year 1 (SYD): $1,440

Year 1 (SLN): $900

Example 3: Machine

Purchase: $100,000

Salvage: $10,000

Useful Life: 10 Years

Year 1 (SYD): $16,364

Year 1 (SLN): $9,000

Calculation Tips
  • Sum of Digits: Life × (Life + 1) / 2
  • Remaining Years: Life - Period + 1
  • Total Depreciation: Same as SLN
  • Consult Taxes: Check with tax advisor
  • Compare: SYD vs. SLN vs. DDB
  • Check Period: Must be 1 to Life

Key Insights

Early Tax Savings

SYD allows higher deductions in early years. This generates earlier tax savings and better cash flow.

Realistic Value Loss

Technical equipment depreciates faster. SYD reflects this reality better than SLN.

Total Depreciation Equal

Total depreciation over all years equals SLN. Only the timing of depreciation differs.

Tax Acceptance Varies

Not all countries accept SYD. Verify tax eligibility!

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DDB - Depreciation of an asset  •  FV - Future value of an investment  •  IPmt - Interest payment for a period  •  IRR - Internal rate of periodic cash flows  •  MIRR - Modified internal rate of periodic cash flows  •  NPer - Number of periods for an annuity  •  NPV - Net present value of an investment  •  Pmt - Payment for an annuity  •  PPmt - Principal payment for a period of an annuity  •  PV - Present value of an investment  •  Rate - Interest rate per period  •  SLN - Straight-line depreciatio  •  SYD - Sum-of-years digits depreciation  •