Car Depreciation Calculator
Estimate how a car's value may fall over time. Enter the purchase price, how many years you'll keep it and the depreciation rates to see an estimated value, the total loss and a year-by-year breakdown.
Commonly cited average: about 20%.
Commonly cited average: about 15%.
$14,616.18
Estimated value after 5 years
$20,383.83
Total depreciation
58.2%
Value lost
| Year | Start value | Depreciation | End value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $35,000.00 | $7,000.00 | $28,000.00 |
| 2 | $28,000.00 | $4,200.00 | $23,800.00 |
| 3 | $23,800.00 | $3,570.00 | $20,230.00 |
| 4 | $20,230.00 | $3,034.50 | $17,195.50 |
| 5 | $17,195.50 | $2,579.33 | $14,616.18 |
Each year's loss is a percentage of the value at the start of that year (declining balance). This is an estimate built on the rates above — a real car's value depends on its make and model, mileage, condition, service history, local market and demand. Check current listings or a valuation guide before buying or selling. Financing the car? See the Car Loan Calculator.
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How to use car depreciation calculator
- 1Enter the purchase price and choose your currency.
- 2Enter how many years you plan to own the car.
- 3Keep the default rates (20% in year one, 15% a year after) or enter your own.
- 4Read the estimated value, total depreciation and percentage lost, plus the yearly table.
About this tool
The calculator uses declining-balance depreciation: each year the car loses a percentage of what it was worth at the start of that year. Cars usually lose the most in the first year, so the first-year rate is entered separately from the rate for later years.
The defaults — about 20% in the first year and about 15% a year after that — are commonly cited averages for new cars, which work out to a car losing roughly 55–60% of its value over five years. They are assumptions, not predictions for any particular model.
Real values depend on make and model, mileage, condition, accident and service history, colour and options, and local supply and demand. Treat the result as a planning estimate and check current listings or a valuation guide before buying or selling. To estimate the monthly payment on a car, use the Car Loan Calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Commonly cited averages are about 20% in the first year and about 15% a year after that, but the real rate varies widely by model, mileage and market.
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