This Variance Excel Template is a tool that lays out the calculation of the difference between the forecasted and actual result. The tool will first calculate the difference as a percentage of the forecasted value, and then calculate the absolute value. This tool can be used as a performance tracker, or as the feedback step of the budgeting process. The formula for Variance is as follows:

To calculate the percentage Variance = Actual / Forecast – 1

Or

To calculate the absolute Variance = Actual – Forecast