SLN Function in Google Sheets

Calculate the straight-line depreciation of an asset over its useful life.

SLN Function

The SLN function in Google Sheets calculates the straight-line depreciation of an asset over its useful life.

Syntax

SLN(cost, salvage, life)
  • cost: The initial cost of the asset.
  • salvage: The salvage value of the asset at the end of its useful life.
  • life: The number of periods (usually years) over which the asset will be depreciated.

Examples

  1. Basic Depreciation Calculation

Calculate the annual straight-line depreciation for an asset costing $5000 with a salvage value of $500 over 5 years:

=SLN(5000, 500, 5)

This will output 900.

Notes

  • Depreciation is calculated evenly over the asset’s useful life.
  • The result represents the annual depreciation expense.
  • DDB: Calculate depreciation using the double-declining balance method.
  • AMORDEGRC: Calculate depreciation using the French accounting method.