NSC | Asset Depreciation > Straight Line Method

Straight-line depreciation is widely regarded as the most straightforward and commonly applied approach to allocating the cost of a fixed asset over time. Using this method, the user distributes the asset’s depreciable value—calculated as the original cost minus any expected residual or scrap value—equally over each accounting period throughout the asset’s estimated useful life. This results in consistent depreciation amounts recorded at regular intervals, making it easy to track and forecast asset value reductions over time.

To calculate depreciation using this method, the user must first determine three important values:

1. Cost of the fixed asset – This is the original purchase price of the asset, including any additional costs necessary to bring the asset into use (e.g., installation or delivery fees).