AI translation vs a translation service: ROI
Deciding whether to compare AI translation against a human service on ROI is a build-vs-buy and ROI question. Built for teams localizing content, this page compares the AI approach to the alternative and shows when (or whether) it pays for itself.
Start here: AI Translation Cost Calculator
Results update automatically as you type.
- • AI translation may need human review for high-stakes content.
- Words
- 100,000
- AI translation cost
- $0.1396
- Human translation cost
- $10,000.00
- Savings
- $9,999.86
Then: AI ROI Calculator
Results update automatically as you type.
- Monthly value
- $2,000.00
- Monthly cost
- $500.00
- Net / month
- $1,500.00
- ROI
- 300.0%
- Payback
- 2.0 mo
Why this isn't trivial
The part people underestimate: human translation is priced per word at a high rate, while AI is priced per token, so volume and required quality decide the winner. In practice the biggest savings come from using AI for bulk translation and humans for high-stakes review, so it is worth modelling before you commit.
How it's calculated
We estimate this by comparing per-word service cost with per-token AI cost at your content volume. Every figure uses the current provider prices baked into the site (reviewed daily), and you can override any input to match your own assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
Is AI translation good enough?+
For many use cases yes; add human review where accuracy is critical.
Where does AI save most?+
High-volume, lower-stakes content, where per-word human rates are prohibitive.
Are these prices up to date?+
Yes. The model prices behind this calculator are refreshed and reviewed daily, so your estimate reflects current provider rates rather than a stale snapshot.
Related
Estimates for planning. Pricing data last reviewed 28 July 2026.