Contractor Budget Kit
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GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Job Cost Variance Calculator

Compare a job's budgeted cost to its actual cost and measure the variance.

JOB INPUTS

Enter your numbers

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Budgeted cost

$
Budgeted cost

Actual cost incurred

$
Actual cost incurred

Amount billed

$
Amount billed
Results update automatically
CALCULATED RESULTUSD
Cost variance-$1,500.00
Variance %-12.5%
Budget$12,000.00
Actual cost$13,500.00
Profit$1,500.00
FORMULA USED$12,000.00 − $13,500.00 = -$1,500.00 (-12.5%)

HOW TO USE IT

How to use the Job Cost Variance Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter the job budget.

  2. 2

    Input the actual cost incurred.

  3. 3

    Add the billed revenue.

  4. 4

    Review the variance and profit.

THE MATH

Job cost variance formula

Variance = budget − actual cost

A positive variance means you finished under budget; a negative one signals an overrun. Profit compares revenue to actual cost.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLE

$12,000 budget, $13,500 actual, $15,000 revenue

Variance = 12,000 − 13,500 = −$1,500 (−12.5%). Profit = 15,000 − 13,500 = $1,500.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a job cost variance?

It's the difference between budgeted and actual job cost.

Is a positive variance always good?

Yes, but a large over-budget may mean you're overpricing.

How do I use the variance?

Track it per job to sharpen bids and protect your margin.