SpreadsheetWeb blog
Excel SLN Function
In this guide, we’re going to show you how to use the SLN function and go over some tips and error handling methods.
The SLN function is a Finance function that calculates the depreciation of an asset on a straight-line basis for one period. In this guide, we’re going to show you how to use the SLN function and go over some tips and error handling methods.
Supported versions
- All versions
SLN Function Syntax
Arguments
| cost | The initial cost of the asset. |
| salvage | The value after the asset has been fully depreciated, salvage value. |
| life | The number of periods over which asset is depreciated, useful life of the asset. |
SLN Function Example
Because all the arguments are required, the usage of the SLN function is straightforward. For example, for an asset with an initial cost of $20,000, a useful life of 5 years, and a salvage value of $4,000, the formula should be as the following:
This formula returns the depreciation value for a single year. The number of the period should match with the period you want to calculate the depreciation.
As you can see the straight-line method assumes that the asset's cost is depreciated the same amount for each accounting period.
Remarks
The SLN function relies on (cost - salvage) / useful life calculation.
Based on straight line method, the function assumes the depreciation value is equal for each period.
Excel Depreciation Functions
| Sum-of-years' digits | SYD |
| Declining balance | DB |
| Double-declining balance | DDB |
| Variable-declining balance | VDB |
| French declining balance | AMORDEGRC |
| French straight line | AMORLINC |