If SV is negative, what does it indicate?

• A. Ahead of schedule.
• B. Behind schedule.
• C. On schedule.
• D. No relation.

Answer: (B)

Schedule Variance shows how actual progress compares with what was planned. It’s calculated as Earned Value minus Planned Value. When the result is negative, it means you’ve earned less value than planned by this point in time, so you’re behind schedule. For example, if the plan expected 100 worth of work completed but only 90 has been completed, SV is -10, indicating a delay. If SV were positive, you’d be ahead of schedule, and if it’s zero, you’re on schedule. A negative SV mainly points to schedule performance rather than cost.