The formula
Cost per user = actions × (input tokens × input price + output tokens × output price) ÷ 1,000,000 + infra + support + payment fee. Gross margin% = (price − cost) ÷ price. Recommended price = cost ÷ (1 − target margin). Break-even users = fixed costs ÷ gross profit per user.
Questions
How much should I charge for my AI SaaS?
Price = cost per user ÷ (1 − target margin). For an 80% margin charge about 5× your cost per user, then validate against competitors and willingness to pay.
What gross margin should an AI SaaS target?
Many AI startups run lower than the classic 80–90% SaaS benchmark because of token costs. Aim for 70%+ at scale and use caps and model routing to protect it.
How do I stop heavy users from killing my margin?
Set a generous included allowance with metered overage pricing above it, cap the free tier, and route simple actions to cheaper models.