How much do free users cost me in AI?
Costs that look tiny per request add up fast at scale, so teams running freemium need to estimate the AI cost of free-tier users early. This tool extrapolates your current usage to the volume you are planning for, so budget surprises don't happen.
Start here: AI Cost Per User Calculator
Results update automatically as you type.
- Monthly AI cost
- $2,000.00
- Active users
- 5,000
- Cost per user
- $0.4000
Then: Sessions Per Budget Calculator
Results update automatically as you type.
- Budget
- $100.00
- Cost / session
- $0.00180
- Sessions in budget
- 55,555
Why this isn't trivial
The part people underestimate: free users generate cost with no direct revenue, so a large free base can quietly become a major line item. In practice the biggest savings come from capping free usage and serving it with a cheap model, so it is worth modelling before you commit.
How it's calculated
We estimate this by multiplying free active users by their per-user AI cost. 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
Are free users a problem?+
Only if their cost outruns the conversions they drive; model both sides.
How do I contain free cost?+
Usage caps and a budget model keep the free tier affordable.
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.