Recommended tools
How this calculator works
Each AI tool receives a value rating from 1 to 10 based on how useful it is to your work, and a usage level — Light (occasional use), Moderate (regular use), or Heavy (daily core tool) — which applies a multiplier of 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0 respectively. The adjusted value is calculated by multiplying the value rating by the usage multiplier. Cost per value point is then computed by dividing the monthly subscription cost by the adjusted value, providing a standardized metric to compare tools regardless of their price. A lower cost per value point indicates better value. The average value score across all tools shows the overall health of your AI subscription stack.
Useful scenarios
- A freelance writer auditing ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Grammarly — finding that Perplexity and Grammarly overlap and only one is needed.
- A creator with ChatGPT, Midjourney, Canva AI, Descript AI, and Notion AI — comparing $100+/month in AI tools to see which deliver real value.
- A YouTuber evaluating ChatGPT Plus vs Claude Pro vs RunwayML — deciding which redundant AI subscriptions to cancel.
FAQ
What's a good cost-per-value-point ratio?
Under $5/point is excellent value. $5-10/point is reasonable. Over $10/point — consider whether the tool is worth keeping. A $20 tool with 8 rating and heavy usage = $2.5/point (great). A $20 tool with 3 rating and light use = $11/point (consider cutting).
Should I rate value based on potential or actual usage?
Rate actual value delivered, not potential. A powerful tool you rarely use has low value regardless of what it can do. Be honest — this is for your own audit, not for anyone else.
What if multiple AI tools overlap?
If two tools do similar things (e.g., ChatGPT and Claude), keep the one with better value score and usage. Overlap is the most common source of wasted AI spending. Choose one primary tool per category.