Personal finance

Car Depreciation Calculator

Enter a car's value, its annual depreciation rate and the years to find what it will be worth and how much value it loses.

  • Free
  • No sign-up
  • Updated for 2026

Value, rate & years

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Enter a value, rate and years to see the depreciated value.

Worked example

With these example inputs:

  • Initial value$30,000
  • Depreciation rate15%
  • Years5

Value after depreciation: $13,311

  • Initial value$30,000
  • Total depreciation$16,689
  • Value after depreciation$13,311

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What this car depreciation calculator does

This calculator finds your car's value after depreciation. You enter the initial value, a yearly rate, and the years. The tool then shows the future value in the currency you choose. It also shows the value lost. This is a quick planning tool. You can try other numbers too. The result helps you judge a car's worth.

What depreciation is

Depreciation is the fall in value over time. A car is worth less each year. Wear, age, and mileage all play a part. New cars drop fastest at the start. So the value shrinks year after year. It appears in the currency you choose.

How it is calculated

The tool takes your initial value. It cuts it by the rate each year. So each year builds on a smaller base. The drop compounds over the years. The result is the value after depreciation. The calculator works it out for you.

What the result tells you

The result shows the remaining value. A thirty thousand car at fifteen percent over five years is worth about thirteen thousand. A higher rate cuts it faster. More years cut it more. So it shows what the car is worth later. It is a clear closing figure.

The initial value

The initial value is the car's price today. It is your starting point. Use the price you paid or its value now. So the drop is measured from there. A higher start means more to lose. So the base sets the whole curve. Enter the current value.

The depreciation rate

The depreciation rate is the yearly fall. Many cars lose around fifteen percent a year. Some models hold value better. So the rate depends on the car. Use a rate that fits the model. So research typical figures first. Pick a realistic rate.

The number of years

The number of years is how far ahead you look. More years mean a lower value. The drop slows as the base shrinks. So the biggest fall comes early. So a long horizon still matters. So match the years to your plan. Enter how long you will keep it.

How to use it

Enter the initial value first. Add the yearly rate and the years. Read the value after depreciation in the currency you choose. See the value lost too. Then compare a couple of scenarios. Compare a few rates. Use it to judge a car's worth.

The limits of this calculator

Every tool has its limits. It uses one steady rate each year. Real depreciation is uneven. It ignores condition, mileage, and demand. A crash or recall can shift value. So treat it as an estimate. So read the result with a clear head.

Common mistakes to avoid

A common mistake is using a flat guess. Rates differ a lot by model. Another is ignoring the early drop. New cars fall fastest at first. Some forget mileage and condition. Others reuse an old rate. Seeing the full picture helps you avoid them.

A final tip

Use this to judge a car's worth. Remember the value falls fastest early. Use a rate that fits the model. Factor in mileage and condition. Plan around the value you will keep. Do not expect a steady drop. Checking the inputs sharpens the result.

Frequently asked questions

How is car depreciation calculated?

This uses declining-balance depreciation: each year the car loses a percentage of its remaining value. A $30,000 car losing 15% a year is worth about $13,311 after five years.

How fast do cars depreciate?

Many new cars lose 15% to 20% a year, with the steepest drop in the first year. Luxury and electric models can depreciate faster, while some trucks hold value better.