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Variance Analysis

Variance analysis is the process of comparing actual financial or operational results against a reference point — typically budget, prior period, or forecast — to quantify the magnitude and direction of deviations and investigate their underlying causes. Variance analysis provides the analytical foundation for performance review conversations, enabling management to distinguish between results driven by price changes, volume changes, mix shifts, or efficiency differences, and to assign accountability for different components of variance.

Why This Matters

Variance analysis converts the raw comparison of actuals to plan into actionable insight. Simply knowing that revenue is below budget does not tell management what to do; understanding whether the shortfall is driven by lower volumes, lower prices, or an adverse mix shift points to entirely different responses. Effective variance analysis decomposes deviations into their root causes, assigns accountability, and identifies where management attention and corrective action should focus.

Where This Fits

This term sits within the Performance & Profitability area of Performance & Control.

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