About the Variance Percentage Calculator
Budget vs actual variance in amount and percent, marked favorable or unfavorable.
Also known as: budget variance, actual vs budget, forecast variance, variance analysis.
How to use this calculator
- Enter budget / forecast, actual, line type.
- The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
- Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
- Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.
Formula
Variance % = (actual − budget) ÷ |budget|
Worked example
Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:
- Budget / forecast = 50,000
- Actual = 54,500
- Line type: Revenue (higher is better)
the calculator returns:
- Variance: 9%
- Variance amount: 4,500
- Assessment: Favorable