Variance Analysis

A variance is the difference between an actual result and an expected result. The process by which the total difference between standard and actual results is analysed is known as variance analysis. When actual results are better than the expected results, we have a favourable variance (F). If, on the other hand, actual results are worse than expected results, we have an adverse (A).

I will use this example throughout this Exercise: Standard cost of Product A $ Materials (5kgs x $10 per kg) 50 Labour (4hrs x $5 per hr) 20 Variable o/hds (4 hrs x $2 per hr)        8 Fixed o/hds (4 hrs x $6 per hr) 24 102 Budgeted results    Production: 1,200 units Sales: 1,000 units Selling price: $150 per unit       ACTUAL Results    Production: 1,000 units Sales: 900 units Materials: 4,850 kgs, $46,075 Labour: 4,200 hrs, $21,210 Variable o/hds: $9,450 Fixed o/hds: $25,000 Selling price: $140 per unit