Reporting template

Variance Analysis Template

Variance by line with written commentary explaining why each moved — the numbers and the story, together.

Use this template free →
Opens in your browser with sample data · export to Excel any time · your data stays yours

Prefer the spreadsheet? Variance Analysis Template · Variance Bridge: Price, Volume, Mix · Food & Beverage Cost Control Template — free with an account, 3 free downloads.

See inside before you download: Variance Analysis Template · Variance Bridge: Price, Volume, Mix · Food & Beverage Cost Control Template

variance-analysis · sample dataLive
£22k
Sales
-£14k
COGS
-£9k
Opex
£18k
Net
Variance (£k)

What's inside this template

Variance by lineEvery line’s gap to plan.
Written commentaryWhy each material line moved.
Favourable / adverseCorrectly applied.
Export the noteNumbers plus narrative.

How it works

Open the template

It loads with realistic sample data so you see a finished result immediately — nothing to set up.

Swap in your data

Type over the sample values, or upload your own file and map the columns in a couple of clicks.

Read, export, share

The Variance tool recalculates instantly. Export to Excel or send a live link.

Related templates

Common questions

What is variance analysis?

Comparing actual results to budget or forecast, line by line, and explaining the differences. The number is the easy half; the commentary is what makes it useful.

What's the difference between price and volume variance?

Price variance is the effect of charging or paying a different rate; volume variance is the effect of selling or buying a different quantity. Splitting them tells you whether a revenue miss was a discounting problem or a demand problem.

Do I have to write the commentary myself?

The template drafts commentary from the movements in your data — which line moved, by how much, and against what — and you edit it. That's usually faster than starting from a blank cell.

Start from the Variance commentary template

Open it with sample data, swap in your own, and export in seconds — no formulas, no blank page.

Use this template free →
No card required · works in your browser · export any time