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AI Translation Cost Estimator

This estimator compares a human translation baseline with an AI-assisted workflow that includes machine processing and human linguistic review. It scales the calculation across the selected number of target languages.

The model works well for budgeting documentation, product catalogs, support content, and localization backlogs. Because translation quality requirements vary widely, the review-speed input is especially important: legal, technical, and customer-facing material generally needs slower and more specialized review than routine internal text.

Calculator inputs

words
$/word
$/1K words
$/hour
words/hour
languages
Result
—
AI translation total cost
Human translation baseline—
AI processing cost—
Human review cost—
Estimated savings—

1. Enter source word count
Use the final source text after removing duplicated or excluded material.

2. Set the human per-word rate
Enter the benchmark rate for fully human translation.

3. Add the AI rate
Use a cost per 1,000 source words for the translation system or workflow.

4. Enter reviewer cost
Use the hourly rate of the linguist or subject-matter reviewer.

5. Estimate review speed
Choose a realistic words-per-hour rate for the required quality level.

6. Select target languages
The calculator assumes the full source volume is translated into each language.

7. Compare cost components
Review processing cost, review labor, and savings versus the human baseline.

AI-assisted translation cost = (words ÷ 1,000 × AI rate × languages) + (words ÷ review speed × reviewer rate × languages)

Where:

  • Words: source-word count
  • AI rate: processing cost per 1,000 source words
  • Review speed: reviewed words per hour
  • Human baseline: words × human per-word rate × languages

Assumptions: Each target language receives the full source word count. Project management, engineering, glossary work, and minimum fees are excluded unless folded into the rates.

What the result means

Use the primary result together with the detailed breakdown. Scenario assumptions can materially change the estimate.

This planning tool does not replace provider documentation, a production benchmark, or professional advice.

Given: 25,000 words, three target languages, $0.12 per word for human translation, $0.015 per 1,000 words for AI processing, a $45 reviewer rate, and 900 reviewed words per hour.

Calculation:
Human baseline = 25,000 × $0.12 × 3 = $9,000.
AI processing = 25 × $0.015 × 3 = $1.13.
Review = 25,000 ÷ 900 × $45 × 3 = $3,750.
AI-assisted total = $3,751.13.

Result: The modeled savings are $5,248.87, excluding localization engineering and project-management charges.

Should repeated text be included in the word count?

Include it only if the workflow charges for or reprocesses it. Translation-memory discounts should be modeled by adjusting the effective word count or rate.

Why is the AI processing cost so small compared with review?

Machine processing can be inexpensive, while qualified human review remains labor-intensive. The balance changes with language pair and quality requirements.

Can I use one review speed for every language?

Only as a rough average. Separate estimates are better when languages differ materially in reviewer availability, script, or subject complexity.

Does this estimate cover certified translation?

No. Certification, notarization, formatting, and regulated review can add distinct fees and requirements.

How is this different from a transcription estimator?

Translation converts meaning between languages, while transcription converts audio or video speech into text. The input units and quality controls are different.