Straight-line depreciation represents a technique of allocating the price of an asset evenly over its helpful life. This accounting method ends in the identical depreciation expense being acknowledged in every interval till the asset’s e-book worth reaches its salvage worth. For instance, if an asset prices $10,000, has a helpful lifetime of 5 years, and a salvage worth of $2,000, the annual depreciation expense can be calculated as ($10,000 – $2,000) / 5 = $1,600.
The adoption of this constant and predictable depreciation sample presents a number of benefits for companies. It simplifies record-keeping and monetary reporting, making it simpler to trace asset values and perceive profitability developments. Its simple calculation permits for clear communication of economic efficiency to stakeholders, together with traders and lenders. Traditionally, its simplicity made it a well-liked methodology earlier than the widespread adoption of computerized accounting techniques.
