How do I price AI usage-based billing (credits)?
For teams building usage-based billing, the question "Design credit-based usage pricing for AI?" decides whether the feature makes money. This calculator connects usage, cost and price so you can set a number that protects your unit economics.
Start here: AI API Markup & Pricing Calculator
Results update automatically as you type.
- API cost / request
- $0.0200
- Markup
- 300.0%
- Your price / request
- $0.0800
- Gross margin / request
- $0.0600
- Monthly gross profit
- $6,000.00
Then: Tokens Per Dollar Calculator
Results update automatically as you type.
- Input tokens / $1
- 800,000
- Output tokens / $1
- 100,000
- Input tokens for $10
- 8,000,000
- Output tokens for $10
- 1,000,000
Why this isn't trivial
The part people underestimate: credits must map cleanly to token cost while staying understandable, so the credit-to-cost ratio needs a margin baked in. In practice the biggest savings come from pricing credits above blended token cost with a clear conversion, so it is worth modelling before you commit.
How it's calculated
We estimate this by converting your token cost into a per-credit price with markup, so credits cover cost plus margin. 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
How big should a credit be?+
Big enough to be understandable, priced above your blended token cost.
How do I avoid losing money on credits?+
Set the credit price above cost including a volatility buffer.
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.