🧾financial accounting i review

Double-declining-balance depreciation method

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Double-declining-balance depreciation method is an accelerated depreciation technique that allocates a higher expense in the earlier years of an asset's life. It doubles the rate of straight-line depreciation, applying it to the declining book value each year.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The double-declining-balance method accelerates depreciation compared to other methods.
  2. This method does not subtract residual value when calculating annual depreciation.
  3. It is commonly used for assets that lose value quickly early in their useful lives.
  4. The formula involves doubling the straight-line rate and applying it to the current book value.
  5. Depreciation expense decreases over time as the asset's book value drops.
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