AI Video Generation Cost Estimator

1. Set final runtime

Enter the total duration of approved video that will be delivered.

2. Model regeneration

Estimate how many seconds must be generated for each final second kept in the edit.

3. Enter generation and editing rates

Use the provider cost per generated second and the expected post-production cost per final minute.

4. Add fixed expenses

Include music, review, setup, or other project-level charges.

5. Review the budget

Compare generated footage, generation cost, editing cost, and cost per final minute.

Final seconds = Final minutes × 60 Generated seconds = Final seconds × Generated seconds per final second Generation cost = Generated seconds × Cost per generated second Total cost = Generation cost + (Final minutes × Editing cost per minute) + Fixed costs

Where:

• Generation ratio — amount of footage created relative to footage retained.
• Editing rate — post-production cost for each minute of final output.

Assumptions: The same average generation ratio and rates apply across the project.

What the result means

The result estimates the full modeled production cost for the final runtime.

Longer clips may have different failure rates and pricing; use separate runs when the project contains materially different shot types.

Given: 10 final minutes, 4 generated seconds per final second, $0.25 per generated second, $8 editing per final minute, and $50 fixed costs.

Calculation: Final footage = 600 seconds. Generated footage = 600 × 4 = 2,400 seconds. Generation = 2,400 × $0.25 = $600. Editing = 10 × $8 = $80.

Result: Total estimated cost = $730, or $73 per final minute.

Iteration is the dominant cost driver because four minutes are generated for each minute delivered.