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RAG Cost Estimator
Break RAG spend into corpus embedding, query embeds, and generation. Useful when retrieval volume dwarfs chat traffic and you need a monthly envelope before building.
- 1Fill inputs
- 2Run
- 3Copy / export
Inputs
Required fields on the left
Results
Appears after you run
Estimate RAG spend
Set corpus size, chunking, and query rate to project monthly $.
From inputs to a decision
Break RAG spend into corpus embedding, query embeds, and generation. Useful when retrieval volume dwarfs chat traffic and you need a monthly envelope before building.
- 01
Enter document count and average tokens per document.
- 02
Set chunk size, overlap, embedding model, and top-K.
- 03
Add query RPS and generation model.
- 04
Review setup vs monthly embedding and generation totals.
Tips for better results
- Toggle monthly re-embed only if your corpus refreshes often.
- Pair with GPU TCO if you plan to self-host the generator.
- Use the same prompt pack and RPS when comparing models.
Frequently asked questions
- What costs does the RAG estimator include?
- Corpus embedding (setup and optional monthly re-embed), per-query embedding, and generation input/output from your top-K retrieval pattern.
- Do I need a live vector DB for this estimate?
- No. The calculator models token volume and list prices only — infrastructure hosting is separate.
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Keep measuring in the same cluster — or jump to the next decision.
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