The cheapest AI attempt is not always the cheapest useful result

Compare useful results

Take two designs attempting the same 100 tasks, using the same definition of success:

• Design A spends $3 and completes 40 tasks: $0.075 per successful task.
• Design B spends $5 and completes 90 tasks: about $0.0556 per successful task.

These are illustrative, invented numbers in USD, not model benchmarks. This example excludes infrastructure and human review costs.

Use your own numbers

I added a free calculator to Model Fieldnotes to make this comparison easier. Enter your batch totals, include tools, infrastructure, and human review, and see cost alongside completion rate.

Define success first. Include the cost of failed attempts and retries. Compare equivalent tasks under the same acceptance rule.

Try the task cost calculator

Calculations happen in your browser. No account, uploads, or API key required.

Keep the limits in view

Cost per success is one decision input. Quality, safety, and latency still need their own evaluation.