How to calculate depreciation and amortization
In business management, depreciation and amortization are two important accounting treatments used to reasonably allocate the cost of assets. This article will analyze the calculation methods of depreciation and amortization in detail, and combine it with the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to help readers better understand this financial concept.
1. Calculation method of depreciation

Depreciation refers to the gradual loss of value of a fixed asset due to use, the passage of time, or technological progress. The following are common depreciation calculation methods:
| method | formula | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| straight line method | (Original value of asset - residual value) / useful life | Suitable for assets with steady loss of value |
| double declining balance method | 2 × (1 / useful life) × net book value | Suitable for assets that wear out quickly in the early stages |
| sum of years digits method | (Remaining useful life / sum of years) × (original value of asset - residual value) | Suitable for assets with rapid technological updates |
2. Calculation method of amortization
Amortization is often used to spread the cost of intangible assets or long-term deferred expenses. The following are common amortization methods:
| Type | Calculation method | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Amortization of intangible assets | Straight line method (cost/life) | Patents, copyrights |
| Long-term deferred expenses | Apportioned according to benefit period | decoration cost |
3. The relationship between hot topics across the Internet and depreciation and amortization
In the past 10 days, the following hot topics have been closely related to the calculation of depreciation and amortization:
| hot topics | Related points |
|---|---|
| New energy vehicle subsidy policy adjustments | Enterprises need to recalculate the depreciation life of production equipment |
| Metaverse technology investment boom | Amortization treatment of intangible assets becomes focus |
| Enterprise digital transformation accelerates | The choice of depreciation method for IT equipment affects costs |
4. Practical application cases
Assume that a company purchases a piece of equipment worth 500,000 yuan, with a residual value of 50,000 yuan and a useful life of 5 years. Here is a comparison of different depreciation methods:
| annual | straight line method | double declining balance method | sum of years digits method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 90,000 yuan | 200,000 yuan | 150,000 yuan |
| Year 2 | 90,000 yuan | 120,000 yuan | 120,000 yuan |
| Year 3 | 90,000 yuan | 72,000 yuan | 90,000 yuan |
5. Things to note
1. The selection of depreciation and amortization methods must comply with accounting standards and the actual situation of the enterprise
2. Estimates of asset residual value and useful life must be reasonable
3. There may be differences between tax law regulations and accounting treatments, so attention should be paid to adjustments.
Through the detailed analysis and structured data display of this article, I believe readers can master the calculation method of depreciation and amortization and apply it flexibly in actual work.
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