SMART Indicator Checker
Check whether your indicators meet SMART criteria with a structured self-assessment
Specific
The indicator clearly defines what is being measured, who is involved, and the expected change.
Measurable
The indicator can be quantified or assessed with a clear unit of measurement and data source.
Achievable
The data needed for this indicator can realistically be collected with available resources and methods.
Relevant
The indicator directly measures progress toward a stated program objective and informs decision-making.
Time-bound
The indicator specifies when data will be collected and the timeframe for achieving targets.
Answer Yes, Partly or No for each criterion
- SpecificNot checked
- MeasurableNot checked
- AchievableNot checked
- RelevantNot checked
- Time-boundNot checked
What to Fix
Answer Yes, Partly or No for each criterion to see what to fix.
SMART Indicator Examples
Specific
| Weak | SMART |
|---|---|
| Improved food security | Percentage of targeted households with a Food Consumption Score above the acceptable threshold (>35) |
| Better health services | Number of children under 5 who received all age-appropriate vaccinations at supported health facilities |
Measurable
| Weak | SMART |
|---|---|
| Level of community participation | Average number of community members attending monthly project review meetings (verified by attendance registers) |
| Quality of training | Percentage of training participants scoring 80% or above on the post-training knowledge assessment |
Achievable
| Weak | SMART |
|---|---|
| Change in household income (requiring detailed financial records in a cash economy) | Percentage of households reporting increased use of improved agricultural practices (collected via annual survey) |
| Individual caloric intake measured daily | Household Dietary Diversity Score collected during quarterly monitoring visits |
Relevant
| Weak | SMART |
|---|---|
| Number of training sessions held (output, not outcome) | Percentage of trained farmers who adopted at least 2 of 5 promoted practices within 6 months of training |
| Total project expenditure | Cost per beneficiary reached with complete service package |
Time-bound
| Weak | SMART |
|---|---|
| Increase in school enrollment | Percentage increase in net enrollment rate at target schools between baseline (Jan 2025) and endline (Dec 2027) |
| Improved water access | Number of households within 30 minutes of an improved water source by end of Year 2 |
How It Works
- Enter Your IndicatorPaste or type the indicator statement you want to evaluate. Keep the full text visible as you work through each dimension.
- Assess Each DimensionAnswer Yes, Partly or No for each of the 5 SMART dimensions, or tick the points it meets. Yes counts as one, Partly as a half. Scores update live.
- Get Improvement TipsFor any dimension that falls short, get specific guidance and example rewrites to strengthen your indicator.
Need Help with Your Indicators? Our advisory services help M&E teams develop SMART indicators that connect directly to program decisions. See services or talk to us.