How to Show Budget Variance in an Excel Chart

1. Prepare the source and scope

Import sales.csv into a new worksheet with headers in row 1. Leave the source columns in their original order for the formulas below. Review the data dictionary before choosing the reporting period. Keep identifiers as text and convert numeric columns explicitly. Save a working copy so you can return to the original fixture.

2. Build the calculation

Create a monthly actual-minus-budget column, then insert a column chart centered on zero. Label positive revenue variance as favorable and negative as unfavorable.

=SUM(D14:D25)-SUM(F14:F25)

3. Reconcile and interpret the output

The expected check is 2026 favorable revenue variance: 6000 USD. Each month contributes 500 to the 6,000 annual variance. Keep actual and budget amounts accessible beside the chart. If your result differs, inspect the selected rows, data types and date filters before changing the formula.

4. Adapt the workflow to a recurring report

Replace the sample with a copy of your own source, retaining the same column meanings and units. Extend bounded ranges to include new rows, refresh PivotTables where used, and compare the result to an independent source total. Record the reporting period and any exclusions beside the output. Reverse the favorable interpretation for expense variance and never mix the two without labels.