Forum Discussion
Variance chart help
Hi All, I need a help in variance chart. Customer is asking for the first visualization and i was able to produce the 2nd one with the custom visualization "Barchart with relative variance". The problem with it or any other variance chart i am using is the variance isn't being calculated the way customer is wanting. Customers variance formula is variance=(forecast+Actual)- target. and the visualiation should ideally contain two vertical lines(target and forecasted) and one bar (actual). if the variance is negative, text should be red and if positivem text should be green
Customer Askpbi custom visual
| FY | Target | Actual Billed | Forecast to Bill | Variance |
| 21-22 | 235,000 | 50,000 | 142,000 | -43,000 |
4 Replies
- lbendlin
Super User
This looks like a great opportunity for you to learn about the Deneb visual.
PBIdashboardsPost Patron
The Deneb suggestion works for the custom chart visual. For the table/matrix side of the same report (showing the variance numbers per vendor alongside the chart), Flexa Tables on AppSource might be simpler, it supports custom variance formulas and conditional formatting (red/green) as built-in options without custom Vega specs.
If the goal is purely the chart visual, Deneb is the right tool. If you also need a variance table that Finance users can explore themselves, Flexa Tables is worth a look. Search "Flexa Tables" on AppSource.
masonreed11tAdvocate II
Try creating a separate DAX measure for the customer formula:
Variance = (Forecast + Actual) - Target
Then use that measure for conditional formatting (negative = red, positive = green). A combo chart with target/forecast as lines and actual as bars may fit the requirement better than the built-in variance visuals.
- masonreed11t
The issue is probably not the visual itself but the variance logic. Most Power BI variance visuals expect something like Actual - Target, so they won’t calculate the way your customer wants.
Create a separate measure for the customer’s formula:
Variance = ([Forecast] + [Actual]) - [Target]Then use conditional formatting for the variance text:
Color = IF([Variance] < 0, "Red", "Green")For the layout, a combo chart can get close (Target + Forecast as lines, Actual as bars). If you need exactly two vertical markers and a single actual bar with dynamic colored variance text, you’ll likely need a custom visual like Deneb because standard visuals have limitations.
