A controller for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mounted in a vehicle. The controller includes a first setting unit for setting a basic speed ratio of the CVT; a second setting unit for setting an adjustment speed ratio of the CVT; and a control unit for controlling the CVT based on the basic speed ratio and adjustment speed ratio. The second setting unit includes an increasing unit for progressively increasing the adjustment speed ratio according to a increase in a target torque interrelated value in a first operating area, and a decreasing unit for progressively decreasing the adjustment speed ratio according to a decrease in the target torque interrelated value in a second operating area. Between the first operating area and the second operating area, the second setting unit maintains the adjustment speed ratio that is set finally.