Free project calculator
Project Budget Variance Calculator
Compare approved budget with actual project cost and interpret the sign consistently.
Enter your figures
Use non-negative values from the same reporting period and source.
Result
Enter all figures to calculate a result.
Formula used
Budget variance = approved budget − actual cost. Positive is under budget; negative is over budget.
How to use the result
Interpret the number with its operating context.
Keep the period consistent
Do not mix monthly activity with quarterly headcount or cost figures.
Check the denominator
Zero denominators produce no rate. The calculator reports that explicitly instead of returning an infinite or misleading value.
Retain the source data
A percentage is only as reliable as the approved records behind it. Use the result as a decision aid, not as proof on its own.