LLM API pricing, explained
Practical guides to what AI models cost and how to spend less, plus a free calculator for 34 models.
Claude API Pricing in 2026: What Each Model Really CostsCurrent Claude API prices per million tokens for Fable 5.1, Opus 5.5, Sonnet 5.5 and Haiku 5.5, with worked monthly cost examples.GPT-6 Sol vs Claude Sonnet 5.5 vs Gemini: API Price ComparisonCompare GPT-6 Sol, Claude Sonnet 5.5, Gemini 3.1 Pro, Gemini 4 Argon, Grok 4.5 and Mistral Large 4 on real monthly cost.The Cheapest LLM APIs in 2026 (Ranked by Real Cost)A ranked list of the cheapest LLM APIs in 2026, from Amazon Nova Micro to Haiku 5.5, with monthly cost for a typical workload.How to Calculate LLM API Cost (Formula and Examples)A simple formula to estimate LLM API cost from tokens, with worked examples and a free calculator.What Are Tokens? Why LLM Providers Charge Per TokenA plain-English explanation of tokens, how many words are in a million tokens, and why input and output are priced differently.7 Ways to Cut Your LLM API Bill Without Losing QualitySeven practical ways to reduce LLM API costs: model routing, prompt caching, batch processing, shorter prompts and more.Prompt Caching Explained: How Much Can You Save?How prompt caching works, typical cache read prices for Claude, GPT-6 and others, and when it pays off.Batch API Discount: When 50% Off Is Worth ItBatch APIs from Claude, OpenAI and Gemini cut prices by about half. Learn which jobs qualify and the trade-offs.DeepSeek V4 API Pricing: Peak vs Off-Peak RatesDeepSeek V4 Pro and Flash pricing per million tokens, including peak and off-peak rates and how they compare to rivals.How to Track AI Spend Across Teams (A Simple FinOps Approach)A practical way to track LLM and AI spend by team, project and model, without new tools. Includes a free structure to copy.Long-Context Price Cliffs: When Your Prompt Costs 2x to 5x MoreSeveral LLM APIs raise their price for long prompts. Learn the thresholds for Haiku 5.5, GPT-6 Sol, Gemini and Grok.Hidden LLM API Costs: Reasoning Tokens, Surcharges and MoreThe extra costs behind LLM API list prices: thinking tokens, long-context surcharges, priority tiers, regional fees and tool calls.
Free tool: compare 34 LLM models in the API cost calculator.
Track spend by team and project: AI Spend Tracker spreadsheet (link coming soon).
Track spend by team and project: AI Spend Tracker spreadsheet (link coming soon).