We propose a simple framework for evaluating the performance of pairing-based cryptographic schemes for various types of curves and parameter settings. The framework, which we call ‘Opcount’, enables the selection of an appropriate curve and parameters by estimating the performance of a cryptographic scheme from a pseudo-code describing the cryptographic scheme and an implementation-information database that records the performance of basic operations in curves targeted for evaluation. We apply Opcount to evaluate and compare the computational efficiency of several structure-preserving signature schemes that involve tens of pairing products in their signature verification. In addition to showing the usefulness of Opcount, our experiments also reveal the overlooked importance of taking account of the properties of underlying curves when optimizing computations and demonstrate the impact of tight security reductions.