AI Token API Budget Optimizer
Estimate OpenAI, Anthropic Claude and Google Gemini text-token costs from request volumes. Compare models, add a separate image budget and export the numbers behind your forecast.
Model your scenario
Calculations update instantly. Your entered values stay in your browser unless you choose to share a scenario URL. Rates and assumptions must be checked before purchasing.
Calculated results
Enter your assumptions above.
Breakdown
Comparison / spending distribution
All-model comparison
Estimated text-only monthly cost using identical volume and a simplified cache adjustment.
| Provider and model | Est. monthly | Input/output per 1M tokens |
|---|
The lowest modeled spend is not necessarily the best workload fit.
Primary model source: official pricing directory
How this estimate works
Input text and output text are billed differently by most model APIs. This calculator first estimates monthly token volume from requests, words per request and a user-defined token-to-word ratio. It then applies published standard text-token prices. It shows several model options under the same usage pattern so teams can compare spending sensitivity.
Cache savings are modeled as a reduction to ordinary input charges. Actual APIs use separate cached-token rates and eligibility conditions, so the simplified reduction should be treated as an optimistic scenario rather than a guaranteed discount. Image estimates use your independent price per image. Tool calls, web search, embeddings, batch discounts, multimodal token rules and VAT are not included.
Planning example
At 1,000 requests per day, 300 input words and 180 output words per request, the estimate depends heavily on the language mix and chosen model. Start with measured token counts from real API logs whenever available.
When open-weight hosting could help
Self-hosting may be worth modeling for stable, high-volume workloads. Include accelerator rental, inference concurrency, model maintenance, load balancing, monitoring, energy and engineering support. It is not automatically cheaper than hosted inference.
Frequently asked questions
How do I estimate API token spending?
Multiply requests by billable days and average input/output tokens, then apply each model’s input/output rates per million tokens.
Are words and tokens interchangeable?
No. The word-to-token multiplier is a rough planning assumption. Real token counts depend on the tokenizer, language and prompt structure.
Do these prices include image generation and voice?
No. Text-token comparisons exclude image, audio, tools and data-processing charges. The optional image line uses an explicitly editable per-image assumption.
Is the lowest-cost model the best choice?
Not necessarily. Compare accuracy, data-processing commitments, latency, model availability, context size and reliability.
Will OpenAI, Anthropic and Gemini rates remain the same?
No. Models, promotions, caching, batch modes, regions and pricing can change. Verify official vendor documentation before procurement.
Official sources and pricing checks
Last methodological review: November 10, 2026. Vendor prices and product limits may change. This tool is not a bill, financial recommendation or guarantee of free-tier eligibility.
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