Estimate managed AI use from a small sample

Separate unlike request types

If ten sample list questions cost less than two document summaries, build the estimate from the expected mix of tasks. Label it an estimate and keep the price observation date. Provider rates, selected models and request sizes can all change the result. Keep short chats, document summaries and tool-assisted jobs in different rows. Record completed usage and the model selected. An estimated hold during execution is not necessarily the settled charge.

Work an illustrative estimate

Suppose a fictional sample gives $0.02 per short task and $0.15 per document task. At 100 short tasks and 20 document tasks per month, the sample implies $2 plus $3, or $5. These numbers illustrate the calculation only. Use your own observed charges and check whether they already include a service fee before adding anything.

Keep the estimate revisable

Mark the observation date, model and expected mix. When the household changes models or starts processing long attachments, take another sample. Set a spending limit consistent with what people can accept and check actual usage afterward. An extrapolation from a few requests is not a price guarantee.