Calculator inputs
Enter direct earned value figures, or let the calculator derive PV and EV from BAC and percentage inputs.
Example data table
| Field | Example Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Project Name | Warehouse Automation | Labels the calculation snapshot for reporting. |
| Planned Value | 50,000 | Value the team planned to earn by the status date. |
| Earned Value | 43,000 | Value actually earned from completed work. |
| Actual Cost | 46,000 | Adds optional cost analysis beside schedule analysis. |
| Budget at Completion | 100,000 | Supports progress ratios and duration estimates. |
| Baseline Duration | 20 days | Used for earned schedule and forecast duration. |
| Elapsed Duration | 12 days | Compares actual time consumed against earned schedule. |
| Expected Result | SV = -7,000 and SPI = 0.86 | Shows a delayed project that needs recovery planning. |
Formula used
The time-based metrics use a practical earned-schedule style approximation. They work well for directional control, though detailed network schedules may still need separate analysis.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the project name, currency label, and your preferred time unit.
- Provide Planned Value and Earned Value directly if you already track earned value data.
- If direct values are unavailable, enter BAC plus planned and earned percentages so the tool can derive them.
- Add Actual Cost if you also want cost variance and CPI on the same screen.
- Enter baseline, elapsed, and remaining duration to estimate time variance and likely finish duration.
- Submit the form. The result panel appears above the form, directly below the header.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to download the result summary for records or reporting.
- Review the status label and notes to decide whether recovery action is needed.
FAQs
1. What does schedule variance tell me?
Schedule variance shows whether earned progress is ahead of or behind the approved plan. Positive values indicate gain against schedule, while negative values indicate delay.
2. Is schedule variance the same as time variance?
Not exactly. SV is a value-based timing indicator from earned value management. Time variance estimates schedule impact in days or weeks using duration assumptions.
3. What does an SPI above 1.00 mean?
An SPI above 1.00 usually means the project is progressing faster than planned. Values below 1.00 suggest slippage and may require corrective action.
4. Can the calculator derive missing PV or EV?
If planned value or earned value is missing, the calculator can derive them from budget at completion and progress percentages when those fields are provided.
5. Why is actual cost included here?
Actual cost is optional for schedule results, but it helps show cost variance and CPI beside schedule metrics. That gives a fuller project control view.
6. How accurate is the forecast duration?
The forecast duration here uses a simple SPI-based estimate. It is useful for directional planning, but complex projects may need milestone-level scheduling analysis.
7. Which units should I use?
Use the same currency for PV, EV, AC, and BAC. Duration fields can use days, weeks, or months, but keep the same unit throughout.
8. Is this only for certified project managers?
No. It supports project managers, PMOs, analysts, consultants, and students who want a quick earned value view without opening separate scheduling software.