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Budget variance calculator

Budget variance compares planned financial performance with actual results to identify where revenue, cost or profit differs from expectation.

Method first: Revenue variance equals actual revenue less budget revenue. Expense variance equals actual expenses less budget expenses. Profit variance compares actual profit with budget profit.

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Budget variance calculator

Budget variance compares planned financial performance with actual results to identify where revenue, cost or profit differs from expectation.

CALCULATE

Enter your assumptions.

RESULTS
Revenue variance
Expense variance
Budget profit
Actual profit
Profit variance

Calculated from the assumptions shown. Review the methodology and limitations before using the result.

METHODOLOGY

How the analysis works.

Revenue variance equals actual revenue less budget revenue. Expense variance equals actual expenses less budget expenses. Profit variance compares actual profit with budget profit.

LIMITATIONS

What this does not replace.

Variance size alone does not explain cause. Material variances should be investigated using operational drivers, timing, volume, price, mix and one-off effects.

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FAQ

Questions about this tool.

Is a positive expense variance good or bad?

In this calculator expense variance is actual less budget, so a positive amount means expenses exceeded budget. Interpretation should still consider timing and operational context.

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