> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cfo.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Compare Scenarios side by side

> Show another version of your plan, or an earlier period, beside a table's values: compare Scenarios or time periods, choose the variance measures, and see how Variance and Variance % are calculated.

Use a comparison when you want to see two versions of your plan, such as Main and a Scenario, or this period against an earlier one, on the same table. A comparison is saved with the table, so everyone who opens the Page sees it, including readers of a share link.

**Ask Ari**

> Add a comparison to the cash table showing the Hiring freeze Scenario beside Main, with the variance in dollars and percent.

Or create the Scenario and compare in one request:

> Create a Hiring freeze Scenario, pause new hires through December, and compare payroll and ending cash with Main.

To read values that already exist without changing any table:

> How does Operating Expense in the Hiring freeze Scenario compare with Main for next quarter? Don't change anything.

**By hand**

**1. Open the comparison settings**

Select **Compare** in the table's header.

**2. Choose what to compare**

Choose **Scenarios** and tick the Scenarios to show beside the one you are viewing. Or choose **Time periods** to compare each period with an earlier one, and pick the earlier period.

**3. Choose the measures**

Turn on the measures you want: **Value**, **Variance**, and **Variance %**. A time comparison also offers **Comparison value**.

**4. Choose the layout**

Show the comparisons in **Columns** or **Rows**, grouped **By scenario** or **By variable**.

To remove the comparison, open **Compare** and select **Reset**.

A table compares either Scenarios or time periods, not both at once. Comparing time periods needs exactly one Date row or column on the table.

## How Variance and Variance % are calculated

In a Scenario comparison, **Variance** is the compared Scenario's value minus the value in the Scenario you are viewing. **Variance %** is that difference divided by the viewed value. In a time comparison, **Variance** is the current period minus the earlier one. Whether a positive variance shows as good or bad depends on the Variable's **Variance colors** setting, **Higher is better** or **Lower is better**. Change it on the Variable, and every table that shows it follows; see [Format and arrange a table](/guides/format-a-table.md).

## Related

* [Test a decision in a Scenario](/guides/test-a-decision-in-a-scenario.md)
* [Scenarios, Snapshots, and version history](/concepts/scenarios.md)
* [Table block controls and messages](/reference/table-blocks.md)


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