AI and API bills get out of control because the pricing is confusing — tokens, context windows, per-request fees, egress. These guides explain how it actually works in plain terms, and each one links to a free calculator so you can plug in your own numbers.
Guides
How LLM API Pricing Works
Tokens, input vs output, context windows — why the same task can cost 50× more on one model than another.
How to Cut Your LLM API Bill
The seven levers that actually reduce cost: caching, routing, batching, RAG, cheaper models and more.
Tokens vs Requests Explained
What a token really is, how it differs from an API request, and how to estimate both before you build.
Popular calculators
LLM Token Cost
Exact cost of a prompt + completion on any model.
Prompt Caching Savings
How much caching your system prompt saves.
Model Routing Savings
Route easy calls to cheap models, hard calls to strong ones.
Self-Host vs API
When running your own GPU beats paying per token.
Educational reference only — prices are estimates; confirm current rates on each provider's pricing page.