Summary

The Excel SYD function returns the "sum-of-years" depreciation for an asset in a given period. The calculated depreciation is based on initial asset cost, salvage value, and the number of periods over which the asset is depreciated.

Purpose 

Depreciation - sum-of-years

Return value 

Depreciation in given period

Syntax

=SYD(cost,salvage,life,period)
  • cost - Initial cost of asset.
  • salvage - Asset value at the end of the depreciation.
  • life - Periods over which asset is depreciated.
  • period - Period to calculation depreciation for.

How to use 

The Excel SYD function returns the "sum-of-years" depreciation for an asset in a given period. The calculated depreciation is based on initial asset cost, salvage value, and the number of periods over which the asset is depreciated.

For example, for an asset with an initial cost of $10,000, a useful life of 5 years, and a salvage value of $2,000, depreciation in year 1 can be calculated with SYD as follows:

=SYD(10000,2000,5,1) // returns $2,667 

In the worksheet as shown, the formula in C7, copied down, is:

=SYD(cost,salvage,life,B7)

Sum of years calculation

In the example, the asset has a useful life of 5 years. Excel sums the years like this:

=1+2+3+4+5=15

This sum is then used in the calculation as follows: The asset loses 8000 in value over a 5 year period, so depreciation in period 1 = 5/15 * 8000 = $2,667, depreciation in period 2= 4/15 * 8000 = $2,133 , and so on. The table below summarizes the calculation in all periods.

Year Depreciation Calculation
1 =(5/15) * 8000
2 =(4/15) * 8000
3 =(3/15) * 8000
4 =(2/15) * 8000
5 =(1/15) * 8000
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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.