The field of public policy evaluation embraces a range of classifications and types that often overlap. An evaluation type can vary on the basis of the underlying paradigm, the target field of study, the time perspective, the content, and these and other issues in combination. The following is a non-exhaustive illustrative classification of evaluation types:

Paradigm-based:

- Classical, rationalist, positivist, experimentalist, goal-based.
- Pluralistic, participative, constructivist.

Based on target field of study:

- Strategic evaluation
- Operational evaluation

Purpose-based:

- Formative evaluation
- Summative, conclusive or outcomes-based evaluation

Based on the time perspective:

- Ex ante evaluation
- Intermediate evaluation
- Ex post evaluation

Evaluator-based:

- Internal evaluation
- External evaluation
- Mixed team evaluation

Content-based:

- Needs evaluation
- Evaluation of policy conception or design
- Evaluability evaluation
- Coverage evaluation
- Implementation evaluation
- Results evaluation
- Impact evaluation

Meta-evaluation
Synthesis of evaluations