OKRs, KPIs & performance goals · Core
Variance
Also called: deviation, plan variance
ELI5
The difference between actual and planned performance.
Used in conversation
“The number is useful only if everyone calculates variance the same way.”
Pitch context
You will see “Variance” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches okrs, kpis & performance goals.
Why it matters: In okrs, kpis & performance goals, different calculation boundaries, periods or accounting treatments can change the number and the decision.
Caution
Calculation, recognition and disclosure can vary by accounting framework, company policy and reporting context.
Connected terms
- DeviationThe search label “Deviation” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 8
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16