
If you’re diving into projects with AI models like GPT-3.5 or GPT-4, understanding usage expenses is key to staying on budget. That’s where a tool to estimate AI model pricing comes in handy. Whether you’re a developer, content creator, or business owner, knowing how much you might spend on token-based interactions can save you from unexpected bills.
AI platforms often charge based on tokens—small units of text that represent words or characters. But figuring out how many tokens your project will use, and what that translates to in dollars, isn’t always straightforward. A reliable estimator simplifies this by converting your input (like word counts) into approximate token numbers and applying the latest pricing data. This way, you get a ballpark figure to guide your planning.
Beyond raw calculations, tools like these help you compare costs across different models and optimize your approach. Maybe a cheaper model works just as well for your needs, or perhaps splitting tasks between input and output phases saves a few bucks. Whatever your goal, having clarity on potential expenses empowers smarter decisions for any AI-driven project.
Our tool uses publicly available pricing data for popular AI models like GPT-3.5 and GPT-4. You input the number of words or tokens for your text, and we convert words to approximate token counts using a ratio of 1 word to 1.33 tokens. Then, we multiply the token count by the per-token rate for the selected model to give you an estimated cost in USD. Keep in mind, these are rough figures since providers might update their rates over time.
Some AI providers charge different rates for input and output tokens because processing input (your prompt) and generating output (the response) can involve varying levels of computational effort. Our calculator splits these costs out when possible, based on the model you choose, so you get a clearer picture of where your budget is going. If a model doesn’t differentiate, we’ll apply a single rate.
While our calculator provides a solid starting point, it’s important to treat the numbers as estimates. Pricing for AI models can change, and other factors—like API fees or special usage tiers—might affect the final cost. We recommend using this tool for planning and double-checking with the provider’s latest pricing info before committing to a big project.

