The total amount of depreciation that has been recorded for an asset since its date of acquisition. For example, a computer with a 5-year estimated life that was purchased for $2,000 would have accumulated depreciation of $800 [($2,000/5) × 2] and a book value of $1,200 ($2,000 - $800) after 2 years of straight-line depreciation. Also called depreciation reserve.
