Speedrun Split Variance Calculator
Compare two runs split by split. See exactly where you gained or lost time, check segment consistency, and plan your next practice session with real numbers.
Split Worksheet
Enter split names and times in seconds. The delta column shows Run B minus Run A. Hover over a delta for cumulative time.
| # | Split Name | Run A | Run B | Delta (s) | Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||
Run Summary
Enter splits above to see a summary here.
Understanding Split Variance
What the Numbers Mean
The delta column shows Run B time minus Run A time for each split. A negative number (green) means you were faster in Run B. A positive number (red) means you lost time. The variance column shows the absolute difference between the two runs for that segment. High variance means that split is inconsistent and worth practicing.
The cumulative delta (shown when you hover over any delta cell) is the running total of all deltas up to that point. It helps you see whether small losses are adding up or whether a big mistake got erased by a strong recovery later in the run.
Common Mistakes
- Mixing timing methods. If Run A uses in-game time and Run B uses real-time, the deltas won't mean anything. Stick to one method per comparison.
- Forgetting load times. Some games pause the timer during loads, some don't. Know which applies to your runs before drawing conclusions.
- Ignoring segment order. A fast early split might cause a slow later split (resource routing, risky strats). Look at the whole run, not just individual deltas.
- Overreacting to one comparison. Two runs is a start, but comparing several pairs over time gives a clearer picture of your consistency.
Scenario Walkthrough
Say you're running a 16-star Super Mario 64 category. Your PB has a 42-second first split (Bob-omb Battlefield), but your latest run clocked 44 seconds. That's a +2.00 delta. Later, you nail Dire Dire Docks in 38 seconds instead of your usual 41. That's a -3.00 delta. The cumulative delta after DDD would be -1.00, meaning you're actually ahead of PB pace despite the rough start.
Without this calculator, you might only remember the bad first split and feel discouraged. With it, you see the full picture and know your practice on water levels is paying off.
Assumptions & Limitations
This calculator treats all times as seconds. Enter decimals for sub-second precision (e.g., 42.35). It does not handle hours or frame counts directly; convert those to seconds first. It assumes both runs use identical split definitions and start from the same point. Platform differences, patch versions, and category rule changes are not accounted for. Always verify against your split timer software before making training decisions based on these numbers.
Why This Page Exists
Most split analysis tools require you to install software, create an account, or upload files. This calculator gives you a quick way to compare two runs without any of that. It's useful for coaches reviewing a student's splits, runners doing post-session analysis on their phone, or community members sharing split comparisons in a forum thread. The page saves your data locally and never sends it anywhere.