What is the formula for Schedule Variance in earned value management?

• A. SV = PV − EV
• B. SV = EV − PV
• C. SV = EV ÷ PV
• D. SV = PV ÷ EV

Answer: (B)

Schedule Variance shows whether you’re on track with the schedule by comparing the value of work actually completed to the value of work that was planned to be completed by now. The formula is SV = EV − PV, where EV is the earned value (budgeted cost of work performed) and PV is the planned value (budgeted cost of the work scheduled). A positive result means you’ve earned more value than planned (ahead on schedule); a negative result means you’re behind. For example, PV = 100 and EV = 120 gives SV = 20 (ahead), while PV = 100 and EV = 90 gives SV = -10 (behind). The other forms would either invert the sign or create a ratio, which relates to Schedule Performance Index rather than Schedule Variance.