Double Declining Balance Method in Details with Formula and Examples

 

The Double Declining Balance (DDB) method is a type of accelerated depreciation that records a higher depreciation expense in the early years of an asset's useful life, compared to the straight-line method. The idea behind the DDB method is that assets are expected to generate more benefits in the early years of their lives and gradually decline over time. This method provides a more accurate reflection of the consumption of an asset's economic benefits over its useful life.

Formula: The formula for the DDB method is: 

Depreciation Expense = (2 * Straight-Line Depreciation Rate) * Book Value at the beginning of the year

Where the Straight-Line Depreciation Rate is calculated as: 

Straight-Line Depreciation Rate = (Cost of Asset - Residual Value) / Useful Life

The book value at the beginning of each year is calculated as: Book Value at the beginning of the year = Cost of Asset - Accumulated Depreciation

Example: Suppose a company acquires a machine for $100,000 with a useful life of 10 years and a residual value of $10,000.

Year 1: Straight-Line Depreciation Rate 

= ($100,000 - $10,000) / 10 

= $9,000 

Depreciation Expense 

= (2 * $9,000) * ($100,000 - $0) 

= $18,000 

Book Value at the beginning of year 2 

= $100,000 - $18,000 = $82,000

Year 2: Depreciation Expense 

= (2 * $9,000) * ($82,000 - $0) 

= $14,76 

Book Value at the beginning of year 3 

= $82,000 - $14,760 = $67,240

Year 3: Depreciation Expense '

= (2 * $9,000) * ($67,240 - $0) 

= $11,883.20 

Book Value at the beginning of year 4 = $67,240 - $11,883.20 = $55,356.80

...

Year 10: Depreciation Expense 

= (2 * $9,000) * ($10,000 - $0) 

= $0 

Book Value at the end of year 10 = $10,000

It's important to note that under the DDB method, the depreciation expense decreases each year until it reaches the residual value of the asset. The residual value is the estimated value of the asset at the end of its useful life and is not depreciated.

Advantages and Disadvantages of DDB Method: Advantages:

1. The DDB method provides a more accurate reflection of the consumption of an asset's economic benefits over its useful life.
2. This method provides higher tax benefits in the early years of the asset's life, which can be beneficial for companies that are in the growth phase and require more capital.
3. The DDB method is easy to understand and calculate.

Disadvantages:

1. The DDB method may result in an overstatement of depreciation expense in the early years, which may not reflect the actual usage and consumption of the asset's economic benefits.
2. This method may result in a lower book value for the asset in the later years of its useful life, which can have a negative impact on the company's balance sheet.
3. The DDB method may not be suitable for assets that have a steady rate of usage and consumption over their useful lives.

In conclusion, the DDB method of depreciation is a widely used method for accelerating the write-off of the