How to Calculate the Variance Percentage in Excel – 3 Methods

What Is the Variance Percentage?

The Variance Percentage indicates the percentage of change between two values.

In the dataset below, you want to know the percentage variance between Actual Sales & Estimated Sales for 12 months in 2021.

Method 1 – Applying a Simplified Formula to Determine the Variance Percentage in Excel

• Select E5 and enter this formula.

• Press Enter.

You’ll see the variance for January.

• Go to the Home tab and choose Percentage in Number.

• E5 will be converted into a percentage and show the Percentage Variance.
• Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

• This is the output.

Read More: How to Calculate Percentage Change with Negative Numbers in Excel

Method 2 – Calculating the Variance Percentage in Excel Using an Alternative Formula

• Select E5 and enter this formula.

• Press Enter.
• Convert the value into Percentage.

• Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.
• This is the output.

Method 3 – Using the Excel IFERROR Function to Calculate the Variance Percentage

You have to divide the difference between Actual and Estimated Sales by Zero (0). You’ll see an error, as shown below.

Click Error Checking. It shows Divide by Zero Error. To correct this error.

• Select E5 and enter this formula.

• Press Enter.

You will see the percentage variance for January.

• Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

 E11 won’t display an error message.

How to Calculate the Variance Percentage for Negative Numbers in Excel

Use the ABS Function to enclose the divisor. This function turns a negative value into a positive one.

• Select E5 and enter this formula.

• Press Enter.

The correct value is displayed.

• Drag down the Fill Handle to see the result in the rest of the cells.

Read More: How to Put Negative Percentage Inside Brackets in Excel

Download Practice Workbook

Download the worksheet to practice.

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