Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate AI API costs?
Multiply your token count by the per-token price. For example, 1M input tokens × $2.50/M = $2.50. Most APIs charge separately for input and output tokens. Our calculator does this automatically.
What is the cheapest AI API?
As of August 2026, the cheapest are: Qwen 3.7 Flash ($0.03/M input), Gemini 2.0 Flash Lite ($0.075/M input), GPT-5 nano ($0.05/M input), and DeepSeek V4 Flash ($0.22/M off-peak). For mainstream models, GPT-4.1 mini ($0.40/M) is cost-effective.
How much does GPT-5 cost?
GPT-5 costs $1.25/M input tokens and $10.00/M output tokens. GPT-5 mini is cheaper at $0.25/M input and $2.00/M output. GPT-5.5 (flagship) costs $5.00/M input and $30.00/M output.
Should I use the cheapest model for everything?
No. Match the model to the task. Use cheap models (GPT-5.4 nano, Qwen 3.7 Flash, DeepSeek V4 Flash) for chat and simple tasks. Use mid-tier (GPT-5.4, Claude Sonnet 5) for complex work. Reserve flagship models (GPT-5.6 Sol, Claude Opus 5) for tasks requiring maximum capability.