> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.apismart.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.apismart.ai/models-and-pricing/model-pricing-and-billing.md).

# Model Pricing and Billing

ApiSmart deducts API usage costs from your wallet balance. The final cost depends on the selected model, billing unit, request configuration, and actual usage.

Before integrating a model, review its pricing on the [**Models**](https://www.apismart.ai/models) page and in the **Price Configuration** section of the model details page.

***

### 💰 Review the Billing Mode

The Models page may display billing labels such as:

* Pay-per-use
* Billing per use
* Tiered pricing
* Time-based billing

Billing Mode provides a general indication of how a model is charged. Always review the model’s **Price Configuration** for the exact billing unit and rate.

> ⚠️ **Important:** Do not rely on the Billing Mode label alone when estimating request costs.

***

### Understand Common Billing Units

#### Per Million Units

Some prices are displayed with `/M`:

```
Text generation: $10.4/M
Video input:     $6.3/M
```

`/M` indicates a price per one million billable units.

However, the type of unit may depend on the model and input type. Do not assume that every `/M` value represents standard text Tokens.

Review the model’s **Price Configuration** and details when the billing unit is unclear.

***

#### Per Image

Some image generation models are billed for each generated image:

```
Billing: $0.04/image
```

For example, generating five images at this rate would cost:

```
5 × $0.04 = $0.20
```

The final cost may also depend on model-specific settings.

***

#### Per Generated Second

Some video models use time-based billing:

```
720P:  $0.145/s
1080P: $0.24/s
```

`/s` means the price applies per generated second.

For an eight-second video at `$0.145/s`:

```
8 × $0.145 = $1.16
```

Higher resolutions may use higher rates.

***

#### Cache Pricing

Some language models may display separate **Cache hit** and **Cache creation** rates.

These rates apply only when the selected model supports the corresponding caching behaviour and may differ from standard input or output pricing.

<figure><img src="/files/OXsO2nojOyHYx8W4rQHz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Review Configuration-Based Pricing

Some models display different prices based on configuration, such as:

* Resolution
* Input type
* Generated duration
* Reference media
* Model-specific options

For example:

```
720P:  $0.145/s1080P: $0.24/s
```

The `default` option represents the model’s default configuration and does not necessarily mean the lowest-cost option.

***

### Where to Check Pricing

#### Model Card

Use the model card for a quick pricing comparison between models.

It may display:

* Billing Mode
* Pricing summary
* Model category
* Capability tags

<figure><img src="/files/FZsOaiNuBzVx8K1yP6si" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Model Details

Select **View Details** to review the model’s complete **Price Configuration** and supported settings.

<figure><img src="/files/HlkvI7WVGNGBFX5HCcpe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use the Model Details page as the primary pricing reference before running a production workload.

***

### Estimate Request Costs

| Billing Type      | Simplified Estimate                              |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| Per million units | `Billable Units ÷ 1,000,000 × Price per Million` |
| Per image         | `Number of Images × Price per Image`             |
| Per second        | `Generated Duration × Price per Second`          |

Example:

```
Billable Units: 100,000Price:          $10/M100,000 ÷ 1,000,000 × $10 = $1
```

These are simplified estimates. Actual costs may vary based on the selected model, configuration, input type, retries, or model-specific billing rules.

***

### Wallet Balance and API Token Limits

Wallet balance and API Token usage limits are separate controls.

For example:

```
Wallet Balance:  $49API Token Limit: $5
```

Even with $49 available in the wallet, this Token can consume only its configured $5 allowance.

If a request fails because of available funds or allowance, check both:

* **Wallet → Current Balance**
* **API Tokens → Used / Remaining**

Review both **Wallet** and **API Tokens** before adding more funds.

***

### 📊 Review the Final Request Cost

After making a request:

1. Open **Console → Usage Logs**.

<figure><img src="/files/x4s8PHBECel5b4cnGoOj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Locate the request.
3. Confirm the **Model**, **Consumption**, and **Cost**.
4. Compare the recorded cost with your estimate if needed.

For complete log fields, filtering, and troubleshooting, see **Usage Logs and Costs**.

***

### Control Production Costs

Before running a high-volume workload:

* Review the current model pricing.
* Confirm the billing unit and configuration.
* Run several representative test requests.
* Review the actual cost in **Usage Logs**.
* Estimate expected monthly usage.
* Set an appropriate API Token usage limit.

For example:

```
Average Request Cost: $0.02
Monthly Requests:     10,000

Estimated Monthly Cost:
$0.02 × 10,000 = $200
```

***

### 🛠️ Troubleshoot Unexpected Charges

If a request costs more than expected, check:

* Model ID
* Billing unit
* Resolution or generation duration
* Number of generated results
* Input and output usage
* Automatic retries
* Background applications or jobs
* Other API Tokens using the same wallet

Then review the related request in **Usage Logs**.

If you see unfamiliar usage, disable the affected **API Token** immediately and review **Usage Logs**. See [**Secure Your API Tokens**](/api-tokens/secure-your-api-tokens.md) for detailed security steps.

> 🔐 Never provide your full **API Token** when reporting a billing issue.

***

### 🚀 Next Steps

Continue with:

* [**Choose a Model and Find Its Model ID**](/models-and-pricing/models-and-model-ids.md)
* [**View Your Balance and Transaction Records**](/account-and-wallet/view-your-balance-and-transaction-records.md)
* [**View API Usage Logs and Costs**](/api-usage/usage-logs-and-costs.md)
* [**Add Funds and Understand Wallet Credits**](/account-and-wallet/add-funds-and-understand-wallet-credits.md)
* [**Create and Manage API Tokens**](/api-tokens/create-and-manage-api-tokens.md)
