Subscription vs. API Break-Even Calculator
A flat subscription and metered API pricing cross over at some volume of use. Enter your numbers to see which is cheaper right now, and how much usage would flip the answer.
At your current usage
Frequently asked questions
Why would API pricing ever beat a flat subscription?
Because a subscription is a fixed monthly cost regardless of usage, while API pricing scales with actual volume — at low usage, pay-as-you-go is often cheaper; past a certain volume, a flat subscription wins. This tool finds that crossover point for your own numbers.
Where do I find my current 'price per 1M tokens'?
Check the pricing page of the specific API you're using — it's usually listed as separate input and output token prices; enter a blended average here, or run the numbers twice using each rate for a range.
Does this account for prompt caching or batch discounts?
No — this compares a flat subscription against standard, non-discounted API pricing. If you use prompt caching or the Batch API heavily, see the Caching & Batch Savings Calculator for a more accurate API-side estimate first.