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Overhead Volume Variance:

Definition and Explanation:

The Volume variance represents the difference between the budget allowance and the standard expenses charged to work in process.

If budget allowance is more than the standard expenses charged to production, the variance is called unfavorable volume variance.

If budget allowance is less than the standard expenses charged to production, the variance is called favorable volume variance.

Overhead volume variance is calculated when overall or net overhead variance is further analyzed using two variance method. Other variance that is calculated in two variance method is Controllable variance.

Formula:

Following formula is used for the calculation of this variance:

Controllable variance = Budgeted Allowance Based on Standard Hours Allowed - Overhead charged to production

Example:

From the following data calculate factory overhead volume variance:

Actual overhead   $7,384
Actual hours used   3,475
Units produced during the period   850
Standard hours for one unit   4
Standard factory overhead rate:    
     Variable

$1.20

 
     Fixed

$0.80

$2.00
 
 
Normal Capacity in labor hours   4000 hours

Solution:

Budgeted allowance based on standard hours allowed:    
   Fixed expenses budgeted $3,200  
   Variable expenses (3,400* standard hours allowed × $1.20 variable overhead rate) 4,080 $7,280
 
 
Overhead charged to production (3400 standard hours allowed × $2.00 standard rate)   $6,800
 

Volume variance   $480 unfav
   
*Standard hours allowed = Units produced during the period × Standard time allowed for one unit
3,400 = 850 units × 4 hours    

This variance consists of Fixed expense only and can also be computed as follows:

Normal capacity hours 4,000
Standard hours allowed for actual production 3,400
 
  600
 
Volume variance (600 hours × $08.0*) $480 unfav.
 
*Fixed expenses rate at normal capacity

Who is Responsible For Volume Variance?

The overhead volume variance indicates the cost of capacity available but not utilized efficiently and is considered the responsibility of executive and departmental management.
» Definition and Explanation of Standard Cost
» Purposes and Advantages of Standard Costing System
» Setting Standards
» Materials Price Standard
» Materials Price Variance
» Materials Quantity Standard
» Materials Quantity Variance
» Direct Labor Rate Standard
» Direct Labor Rate Variance
» Direct Labor Efficiency Standard
» Direct Labor Efficiency Variance
» Factory Overhead Cost Standards
» Overall or Net Factory Overhead Variance
» Overhead Controllable Variance
» Overhead Volume Variance
» Overhead Spending Variance
» Overhead Idle Capacity Variance
» Overhead Efficiency Variance
» Variable Overhead Efficiency Variance
»

Fixed Overhead Efficiency Variance

» Mix and Yield Variance
» Variance Analysis Example
» Standard Costing and Variance Analysis Formulas
» Management by Exception and Variance Analysis
» International Uses of Standard Costing System
» Advantages, Disadvantages, and Limitations of Standard Costing




 

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