Logical Framework Calculator
Build a logframe matrix with indicators, baselines, targets, and means of verification. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Formula
Budget Allocation: Activities (70%) + Management (15%) + M&E (10%) + Contingency (5%)
The logframe calculator distributes the total project budget across standard categories, calculates per-unit costs for outcomes, outputs, and activities, and generates milestone targets based on linear progress from baseline to target values.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Health Program Logframe
Problem:A $500,000 health project runs for 24 months with 3 outcomes, 6 outputs, and 12 activities. Baseline vaccination rate is 40%, target is 75%.
Solution:Activity budget (70%) = $350,000\nManagement (15%) = $75,000\nM&E (10%) = $50,000\nContingency (5%) = $25,000\nChange needed = 75% - 40% = 35 percentage points\nCost per percentage point = $500,000 / 35 = $14,286\nMonthly burn rate = $500,000 / 24 = $20,833
Result:Budget per outcome: $116,667 | Monthly burn: $20,833 | Cost per % change: $14,286
Example 2: Education Project Logframe
Problem:A $200,000 education project over 18 months with 2 outcomes, 4 outputs, 8 activities. Literacy baseline 55%, target 80%.
Solution:Activity budget (70%) = $140,000\nBudget per outcome = $140,000 / 2 = $70,000\nBudget per output = $140,000 / 4 = $35,000\nChange needed = 80% - 55% = 25 points\nChange per month = 25 / 18 = 1.39 points/month\nCost per percentage point = $200,000 / 25 = $8,000
Result:Budget per output: $35,000 | 1.39% improvement/month | $8,000 per % point
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a logical framework (logframe) and why is it used?
A logical framework, commonly called a logframe, is a project planning and management tool used extensively in international development, humanitarian aid, and nonprofit sectors. It presents a structured matrix showing the relationship between project activities, outputs, outcomes, and overall goals. The logframe helps project managers articulate the cause-and-effect logic of their interventions: if these activities are completed, then these outputs will be produced, leading to these outcomes, ultimately contributing to the goal. Donors like USAID, the World Bank, and European Commission require logframes as part of grant applications because they provide a clear, concise summary of project design and accountability mechanisms.
References
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy