Final answer:
The variable overhead rate variance for the month is $1,252 unfavorable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The variable overhead rate variance for the month can be calculated by subtracting the actual variable overhead cost from the standard variable overhead cost based on the actual hours worked.
Actual variable overhead cost = Actual direct labor-hours * Standard variable overhead rate
Standard variable overhead cost = Standard hours per unit * Actual output * Standard variable overhead rate
Variable overhead rate variance = Standard variable overhead cost - Actual variable overhead cost
Using the given data:
Actual direct labor-hours = 8,700
Actual output = 2,000 units
Standard hours per unit = 4.30
Standard variable overhead rate = $11.56 per direct labor-hour
Substituting these values into the formula:
Actual variable overhead cost = 8,700 * $11.56 = $100,692
Standard variable overhead cost = 4.30 * 2,000 * $11.56 = $99,440
Variable overhead rate variance = $99,440 - $100,692 = -$1,252
Therefore, the variable overhead rate variance for the month is $1,252 unfavorable.