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SLN

The SLN function calculates the depreciation of an asset for a single period using the straight-line method. This method assumes that the asset loses an equal amount of value each year over its useful life. The function takes three arguments: the initial cost of the asset, its salvage value at the end of its useful life, and the total number of periods of its useful life.

Usage

Use the SLN formula with the syntax shown below, it has 3 required parameters:

=SLN(cost, salvage, life)
Parameters:
  1. cost (required):
    The initial cost of the asset.
  2. salvage (required):
    The value of the asset at the end of its useful life.
  3. life (required):
    The total number of periods of the asset's useful life.

Examples

Here are a few example use cases that explain how to use the SLN formula in Google Sheets.

Calculating annual depreciation

SLN is commonly used to calculate the amount of annual depreciation for an asset using the straight-line method.

Forecasting asset value

SLN can be used to forecast the value of an asset at any point during its useful life based on its initial cost, salvage value, and length of useful life.

Comparing depreciation methods

SLN can be used to compare the depreciation of an asset using the straight-line method to other depreciation methods such as the double-declining balance method.

Common Mistakes

SLN not working? Here are some common mistakes people make when using the SLN Google Sheets Formula:

Missing Arguments

The SLN function requires three arguments: cost, salvage, and life. Make sure to provide all three arguments when using the function.

Invalid Argument Type

All arguments for the SLN function should be numbers. Check that you are not providing text or empty cells as arguments.

Incorrect Order of Arguments

The order of the arguments in the SLN function should be cost, salvage, and life. Make sure you are providing the arguments in the correct order.

Related Formulas

The following functions are similar to SLN or are often used with it in a formula:

  • DDB

    The DDB function returns the depreciation of an asset using the double-declining balance method. This function is most commonly used to calculate depreciation of an asset over time. The calculation takes into account the initial cost of the asset, its salvage value, the asset's estimated life, and the end of the period for which depreciation is being calculated.

  • DB

    The DB function calculates the depreciation of an asset for a specified period using the fixed-declining balance method. This method uses a fixed rate to calculate depreciation, with a higher depreciation rate in the early years of the asset's life. The function is commonly used in accounting and financial analysis.

  • VDB

    The VDB function calculates the depreciation of an asset for a specified period using the double-declining balance method or another method you specify. This function is commonly used in financial analysis to calculate the depreciation of an asset over time.

Learn More

You can learn more about the SLN Google Sheets function on Google Support.