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 for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Logical Framework Calculator
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Formula: Budget Allocation: Activities (70%) + Management (15%) + M&E (10%) + Contingency (5%)
Worked example — Budget per outcome: $116,667 | Monthly burn: $20,833 | Cost per % change: $14,286
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 Management (15%) = $75,000 M&E (10%) = $50,000 Contingency (5%) = $25,000 Change needed = 75% - 40% = 35 percentage points Cost per percentage point = $500,000 / 35 = $14,286 Monthly 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 Budget per outcome = $140,000 / 2 = $70,000 Budget per output = $140,000 / 4 = $35,000 Change needed = 80% - 55% = 25 points Change per month = 25 / 18 = 1.39 points/month Cost 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.
What are the four levels of a logframe matrix?
The logframe matrix has four hierarchical levels. The Goal (or Impact) represents the broad, long-term development change the project contributes to, such as reduced poverty or improved health. Outcomes (or Purpose) describe the medium-term changes in behavior, systems, or conditions that the project aims to achieve. Outputs (or Results) are the tangible products, services, or deliverables directly produced by project activities. Activities are the specific tasks and actions that produce the outputs. Each level includes indicators to measure progress, means of verification describing how data will be collected, and assumptions listing external factors that must hold true for the logic chain to work as planned.
How do you set indicators and targets in a logframe?
Effective logframe indicators follow the SMART criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Each indicator needs a baseline value showing the starting condition, a target value showing the desired end state, and interim milestones for monitoring. Indicators should be objectively verifiable, meaning different observers would agree on the measurement. Quantitative indicators use numbers and percentages, while qualitative indicators use rating scales or categorical assessments. Best practice recommends two to three indicators per logframe level to provide adequate evidence without creating excessive monitoring burden. Means of verification specify data sources such as surveys, administrative records, or field observations.
What is the typical budget allocation in a logframe project?
A well-designed logframe project typically allocates its budget across several categories. Direct program activities usually receive 65 to 75 percent of the total budget, covering implementation costs like materials, training, and service delivery. Project management and administration accounts for 10 to 20 percent, including staff salaries, office costs, and travel. Monitoring and evaluation receives 5 to 15 percent, covering data collection, surveys, evaluations, and reporting. A contingency reserve of 3 to 10 percent handles unforeseen expenses and cost overruns. These ratios vary by donor requirements and project type. Humanitarian emergency projects may have higher contingency allocations, while research projects may allocate more to monitoring and evaluation activities.
What assumptions and risks should be included in a logframe?
Assumptions in a logframe are external conditions that must be true for the project logic to hold. They are documented in the rightmost column of the matrix and represent factors outside the project team direct control. Common assumptions include political stability, government cooperation, beneficiary willingness to participate, favorable weather conditions, and stable exchange rates. Each level of the logframe should have corresponding assumptions linking it to the next level. Risks are the negative versions of assumptions and should be assessed for likelihood and potential impact. Effective logframe design includes a risk mitigation strategy for each high-priority assumption. Regular monitoring of assumptions helps teams adapt their approach when external conditions change unexpectedly.
References
Reviewed for accuracy by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy
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