Guides
Token cost calculator
How to estimate AI API token costs before a request runs
A token cost calculator helps developers estimate spend before sending requests.
The basic formula
Estimate input tokens, output tokens, cached reads, and per-model unit prices separately.
Why output caps matter
Output tokens are often the variable part of a request.
- Estimate worst-case output
- Use smaller caps for tests
- Compare estimates with logs
Prepaid credit planning
Prepaid gateways make estimates easier because requests stop when balance or budgets are exhausted.
FAQ
Are token estimates exact?
No. Final billing should use completed request usage when available.
Why track cached tokens separately?
Cached reads often have a different cost profile.