AI cost guides for developers and CTOs
Practical guides to estimating and cutting LLM API and GPU costs: pre-launch estimates, prompt caching and batch discounts, and the break-even point for self-hosting.
- How to estimate LLM API costs before launchA step-by-step method for pricing an LLM feature before it ships: define the request, measure tokens, model traffic, check price tiers and turn one guess into a low, expected and high range.
- Prompt caching and batch APIs: what they actually saveWhy a large cache discount on the price list turns into a smaller saving on the bill, when batch processing fits, and how to work out the real saving for your own traffic.
- API vs self-hosted GPUs: the break-even mathWhen renting GPUs and running your own model costs less than paying per token: the break-even formula, the capacity ceiling, why idle time matters most, and when a reservation pays off.
Ready to run your own numbers? Open the LLM API and GPU cost calculator.