Depreciation: Sum of the Years Digit Method


Under this method, depreciation is similar to that of reducing balance method, excepting that the digits are reversed. For example, if an assets is expected to last for 6 years, the digits from 1 to 6 are added up as follows:

1+2+3+4+5+6 = 21

The total weight will be 21 and the annual depreciation will be charged using 6 for year1, 5 for year2, 4 for year3, 3 for year4, 2 for year5 and 1 for year6 respectively. We can say that this method is a ratio approach in reversed order.

 

Example

On 1st January of year 20v3, an asset has the following data:

Cost = ₦1,500,000

Useful life in years = 6

Scrap value = ₦177,000

Required

Calculate the annual depreciation chargeable on the asset for the six-year period.

Suggested Solution

Digits in year are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

Sum of the digits = 21

Depreciable value = ₦ (1,500,000-177,000) = ₦1,323,000

 

Thus, the yearly depreciation amount is ₦378, 000 for year1; ₦315,000 for year2; ₦252,000 for year3; ₦189,000 for year4; ₦126,000 for year5 and ₦63,000 for year6 respectively as shown on the table above.

You will notice that the total depreciation amount for the 6-year period is equal to the depreciable value of the assets as computed above

 



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