Think in Three Numbers
Most earned value questions become manageable once you anchor on planned value, earned value, and actual cost. From there, every other metric is just a relationship between what you planned, what you earned, and what you spent. Candidates struggle when they memorize abbreviations without attaching them to a real project picture.
Fast Interpretation Guide
| Feature | Formula | Below 1 or Negative | Above 1 or Positive |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPI | Cost efficiency is poor | Cost efficiency is strong | |
| SPI | Progress is slower than planned | Progress is faster than planned | |
| CV | Over budget | Under budget | |
| SV | Behind schedule | Ahead of schedule |