Budget vs Actual Template
Compare plan against reality by department, with the favourable/adverse rule applied correctly and material gaps flagged so you know where to look first.
Prefer the spreadsheet? Annual Budget Builder Template · Budget vs Actual Template · Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) Template · Budget per Pupil Template · Service Charge Apportionment Template — free with an account, 3 free downloads.
See inside before you download: Annual Budget Builder Template · Budget vs Actual Template · Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) Template · Budget per Pupil Template · Service Charge Apportionment Template
What's inside this template
How it works
It loads with realistic sample data so you see a finished result immediately — nothing to set up.
Type over the sample values, or upload your own file and map the columns in a couple of clicks.
The Budget vs Actual tool recalculates instantly. Export to Excel or send a live link.
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Common questions
What counts as a favourable variance?
Revenue above budget and costs below it. The sign flips depending on the line, which is why variance reports that just show a raw difference are so easy to misread — this one applies the favourable/adverse rule per line.
What size variance is worth investigating?
A common rule is anything over 5% or over a fixed cash threshold, whichever bites first. That stops a 40% variance on a tiny line drowning out a 3% variance on your largest cost.
How often should I run budget vs actual?
Monthly, within a week or two of close. Quarterly is too late to act on, and weekly usually reflects timing noise more than performance.
Start from the Budget vs actual template
Open it with sample data, swap in your own, and export in seconds — no formulas, no blank page.
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