Sum of the Years’ Digits Method of Depreciation:
Learning Objectives:
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Explain the sum of the years’ digits method of depreciation.
Definition and Explanation:
Sum of the Years’ Digits Method an accelerated method of depreciation which is also based on the assumption that the loss in the value of the fixed asset will be greater during the earlier years and will go on decreasing gradually with the decrease in the life of such asset. The SYD method is found by estimating an asset’s useful life in years, then assessing consecutive numbers to each year, and totaling these numbers. For n years:
SYD = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + …… + n
For example if the useful life of an asset is 5 years, the SYD method would be 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15. Determining the SYD factor by simple addition can be somewhat laborious for long-lived assets. For these assets the formula n (n + 1) / 2 where n = the number of periods in the asset’s useful life can be applied to derive the syd method. In our example, we have:
| 5(5 + 1) | = | 30 | ||
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= | 15 | |
| 2 | 2 |
The yearly depreciation is then calculated by multiplying the total depreciable amount for the life of the asset by a fraction whose numerator is the remaining useful life and whose denominator is the SYD method. Thus in our example the calculation would:
| First year depreciation | = | 5/15 | × | Depreciation cost |
| Second year depreciation | = | 4/15 | × | Depreciation cost |
| Third year depreciation | = | 3/15 | × | Depreciation cost |
| Fourth year depreciation | = | 2/15 | × | Depreciation cost |
| Fifth year depreciation | = | 1/15 | × | Depreciation cost |
The formula for depreciation for this method is:
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Depreciation = Depreciation cost × (Remaining useful life/SYD) |
Example:
ABC Ltd. purchased a truck for $65,000 on 1st January 1991. The expected life was 5 years and salvage value $5,000. Calculate the annual depreciation expense by applying sum-of-the-years’ digits (SYD) method.
Solution:
Amount to be written of = $65,000 – 5,000 = 60,000
SYD = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 15
The annual depreciation is:
| First year depreciation | = | 5/15 | × | 60,000 | = | 20,000 |
| Second year depreciation | = | 4/15 | × | 60,000 | = | 16,000 |
| Third year depreciation | = | 3/15 | × | 60,000 | = | 12,000 |
| Fourth year depreciation | = | 2/15 | × | 60,000 | = | 8,000 |
| Fifth year depreciation | = | 1/15 | × | 60,000 | = | 4,000 |
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| Total | 60,000 | |||||
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When the asset is acquired during the year, the depreciation expense may be determined by dividing the fractional multipliers between the current and succeeding year. Using the data in the above example suppose the truck is purchased on 30thJune 1991, the depreciation is computed as follows:
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| End of the year | Depreciable cost | Years’ fraction | Years’ depreciation | Accumulated depreciation | Cost | Book value | |
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| 1. | 60,000 | 5/15 (1/2) | 10,000 | 1,000 | 65,000 | 55,000 | |
| 2. | 60,000 60,000 |
] | 5/15 (1/2) 4/15 (1/2) |
10,000 8,000 |
28,000 | 65,000 | 37,000 |
| 3. | 60,000 60,000 |
] | 4/15 (1/2) 3/15 (1/2) |
8,000 6,000 |
42,000 | 65,000 | 23,000 |
| 4. | 60,000 60,000 |
3/15 (1/2) 2/15 (1/2) |
6,000 4,000 |
52,000 | 65,000 | 13,000 | |
| 5. | 60,000 60,000 |
] | 2/15 (1/2) 1/15 (1/2) |
4,000 2,000 |
58,000 | 65,000 | 7,000 |
| 6. | 60,000 | 1/15 (1/2) | 2,000 | 60,000 | 65,000 | 5,000 | |
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Scope of the Sum of Years’ Digits Method (SYD):
As an accelerated depreciation method, the SYD approach is most appropriate for those situations in which the asset is judged to render greater utility during its earlier life and less in its later life.
You may also be interested in other articles from “accounting for depreciation” chapter:
- Definition and Explanation of Depreciation
- Causes of Depreciation
- Need for Depreciation
- Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
- Difference Between Depreciation and Fluctuation
- Basic Factors of Determination of Depreciation
- Depreciation Methods / Methods for Providing Depreciation
- Fixed Installment Method / Straight Line Method / Original Cost Method
- Diminishing balance/written Down Value/Reducing Installment Method of Depreciation
- Annuity Method of Depreciation
- Depreciation Fund Method or Sinking Fund Method
- Insurance Policy Method of Depreciation
- Revaluation Method of Depreciation
- Sum of the Years’ Digits Method of Depreciation
- Double Declining Balance Method of Depreciation
- Depletion Method of Depreciation
- Basis of Use System of Depreciation
- Depreciation Of Various Assets
- Depreciation Accounting – General Questions and Answers
Jennifer edwards