All versions
Financial
The Excel SLN function returns straight-line depreciation for one period — the cost minus salvage, spread evenly over the asset's life.
Quick answer:
=SLN(10000, 1000, 5) // $1,800 per year
Syntax
=SLN(cost, salvage, life)
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
cost | Required | Initial cost of the asset. |
salvage | Required | Value at the end of its life. |
life | Required | Useful life in periods. |
How to use it
SLN returns straight-line depreciation for one period — the cost minus salvage, spread evenly over the asset's life.
=SLN(10000, 1000, 5) // equal yearly depreciation
Try it: interactive demo
Live demo
This is the formula pattern SLN uses — copy it into Excel with your own numbers.
Result: computed in Excel
Practice workbook
Download the free SLN practice workbook
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Frequently asked questions
How is straight-line depreciation calculated?
(cost − salvage) ÷ life — the same amount every period.
SLN vs DDB/SYD?
SLN is even each year; DDB and SYD are accelerated (more in early years).
Which Excel versions support it?
All modern versions.
Why might it return #NUM! or #VALUE!?
Out-of-range arguments (e.g. negative rate or settlement after maturity) give #NUM!; non-numeric inputs give #VALUE!.
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