How is variance calculated in financial management?

Variance in financial management typically represents the difference between what was budgeted and what was actually spent. This measure helps organizations understand how well they adhered to their financial plans.

The correct method for calculating variance is indeed Actual spend – Budget. This calculation shows whether the spending was over or under the budgeted amount. If the actual spend exceeds the budget, the variance will be negative, indicating a budget overrun. Conversely, if the actual spend is below budget, the variance will be positive, indicating cost savings.

Other options do not accurately represent the standard calculation of variance. For instance, budgeting plus forecasting or the sum of actual spend and revenue do not directly address the difference between planned and actual financial performance. Budget minus actual spend is also framed incorrectly since it does not follow the conventional formula for variance measurement. Thus, focusing on the actual spend minus the budget gives the clear insight needed for effective financial management.