A matching gift multiplies donations up to a cap. Compute the match (donation times the ratio, capped) and the combined total — the math behind “your gift doubled” campaigns.
The example
$8,000 raised, 1:1 match, $5,000 cap.
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Item | Value |
| 2 | Match (1:1) | 8000 |
| 3 | Capped at 5000 | → $5,000 |
The formula
The formula:
How it works
How it works:
- The raw match is
donation × match_ratio— a 1:1 match doubles, 2:1 triples the donor portion. - Cap it with
MIN(…, match_cap)so the match never exceeds the matcher’s pledge. - Combined total =
donation + matched_amount. - Once donations pass the cap point, extra gifts aren’t matched — useful to message before the deadline.
Find the cap point. With a 1:1 match capped at $5,000, the match maxes out once donations reach $5,000. Show donors “=MAX(match_cap/match_ratio - raised, 0) left until the match runs out” — urgency that the match is finite reliably lifts giving before the deadline.
Try it: interactive demo
Donations, match ratio, cap.
Variations
Combined total
Gift + match:
Left to max the match
Urgency message:
Effective multiplier
Total ÷ donation:
Pitfalls & errors
Cap the match. Use MIN so the match never exceeds the pledge.
Match the donor portion. A 1:1 match doubles the donor gift, not the total.
Beyond the cap. Extra donations past the cap point aren’t matched.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a matching gift in Excel?
How do I tell donors how much is left to match?
Does a 1:1 match double the total?
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