Free template
Cost-per-Beneficiary and Value-for-Money Workbook
A blank Excel workbook that calculates cost per beneficiary, cost per output and cost per outcome, allocates shared costs, and organises value-for-money evidence around the 4Es.
ExcelUpdated 30 September 2026Costing · Impact evaluation
What's inside
- Setup sheet for the programme, currency, period and beneficiary definition
- Activities sheet that allocates shared costs and calculates cost per beneficiary and per output
- Economy sheet for comparing prices paid with benchmarks
- Effectiveness and equity sheets for results and reach
- A 4Es summary sheet
Key points
- 01Blank structure with formulas only — no data are included.
- 02Shared costs are allocated to activities in proportion to direct costs.
- 03Organises evidence around economy, efficiency, effectiveness and equity.
- 04Designed to be updated every reporting period with the same definitions.
Frequently asked questions
Does the workbook contain benchmark prices?
No. It has no data. Enter benchmark prices from sources you can cite, with the date, on the Economy sheet.
Can I use a different way of allocating shared costs?
Yes. The workbook allocates shared costs in proportion to direct costs; if your funder requires another key, such as staff time, adjust the allocation column and note the change.
Which funders use the 4Es?
The economy, efficiency and effectiveness framework, with equity, was set out by the UK Department for International Development in 2011 and is widely used; always check your own funder's guidance.
Need this done properly?
This template gives you the structure. If you would rather have the analysis done for you — with local data, independent quality control and a report you can defend — we can help.
Need this done properly?
Tell us about the decision you need to support. We will propose a scope, timeline and price.