Variance Analysis: Understanding & Improving Performance

Variance analysis can be summarized as an analysis of the difference between planned and actual numbers. The sum of all variances gives a picture of the overall over-performance or under-performance for a particular reporting periodFiscal Year (FY)A fiscal year (FY) is a 12-month or 52-week period of time used by governments and businesses for accounting purposes to formulate annual. For each item, companies assess their favorability by comparing actual costs Fixed and Variable CostsCost is something that can be classified in several ways depending on its nature. One of the most popular methods is classification accordingto standard costs in the industry.

For example, if the actual cost is lower than the standard cost for raw materials, assuming the same volume of materials, it would lead to a favorable price variance (i.e., cost savings). However, if the standard quantity was 10,000 pieces of material and 15,000 pieces were required in production, this would be an unfavorable quantity variance because more materials were used than anticipated.

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The Role of Variance Analysis

When standards are compared to actual performance numbers, the difference is what we call a “variance.” Variances are computed for both the price and quantity of materials, labor, and variable overhead, and are reported to management. However, not all variances are important.

Management should only pay attention to those that are unusual or particularly significant. Often, by analyzing these variances, companies are able to use the information to identify a problem so that it can be fixed or simply to improve overall company performance.

Types of Variances

As mentioned above, materials, labor, and variable overhead consist of price and quantity/efficiency variances. Fixed overhead, however, includes a volume variance and a budget variance.

Learn variance analysis step by step in CFI’s Budgeting and Forecasting course.

The Column Method for Variance Analysis

When calculating for variances, the simplest way is to follow the column method and input all the relevant information. This method is best shown through the example below:

XYZ Company produces gadgets. Overhead is applied to products based on direct labor hours. The denominator level of activity is 4,030 hours. The company’s standard cost card is below:

Direct materials: 6 pieces per gadget at $0.50 per piece

Direct labor: 1.3 hours per gadget at $8 per hour

Variable manufacturing overhead: 1.3 hours per gadget at $4 per hour

Fixed manufacturing overhead: 1.3 hours per gadget at $6 per hour

During January, the company produced 3,000 gadgets. The fixed overhead expense budget was $24,180. Actual costs in January were as follows:

Direct materials: 25,000 pieces purchased at the cost of $0.48 per piece

Direct labor: 4,000 hours were worked at the cost of $36,000

Variable manufacturing overhead: Actual cost was $17,000

Fixed manufacturing overhead: Actual cost was $25,000

Materials Variance

Adding these two variables together, we get an overall variance of $3,000 (unfavorable). It is a variance that management should look at and seek to improve. Although price variance is favorable, management may want to consider why the company needs more materials than the standard of 18,000 pieces. It may be due to the company acquiring defective materials or having problems/malfunctions with machinery.

Labor Variance

Adding the two variables together, we get an overall variance of $4,800 (Unfavorable). This is another variance that management should look at. Management should address why the actual labor price is a dollar higher than the standard and why 1,000 more hours are required for production. The same column method can also be applied to variable overhead costs. It is similar to the labor format because the variable overhead is applied based on labor hours in this example.

Learn variance analysis step by step in CFI’s Budgeting and Forecasting course.

Fixed Overhead Variance

Adding the budget variance and volume variance, we get a total unfavorable variance of $1,600. Once again, this is something that management may want to look at.

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The Role of Standards in Variance Analysis

In cost accounting, a standard is a benchmark or a “norm” used in measuring performance. In many organizations, standards are set for both the cost and quantity of materials, labor, and overhead needed to produce goods or provide services.

Quantity standards indicate how much labor (i.e., in hours) or materials (i.e., in kilograms) should be used in manufacturing a unit of a product. In contrast, cost standards indicate what the actual cost of the labor hour or material should be. Standards, in essence, are estimated prices or quantities that a company will incur.

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