The solution which is the same as that in my research is to take the difference between the two numbers and use that as the basis. If you made 37000 last year and 45000 this year subtract 37000 from 45000 which is 8000. Divide that change by the old value you will get a decimal number Step 3.
Using ABS in this formula negates the effect of the negative benchmark the negative 10000 budget in the example and returns the correct percent variance.
So difference of 1 and -1 is 2. So difference of 1 and -1 is 2. New value old value ABS old value. The difference between number A2 and B2 A2-B2 can be negative.
