AI Token Usage

AI features are the primary driver of token consumption on ikigize. This page explains exactly which AI operations cost tokens, how the price is calculated, and what remains free.

What is free

Not all AI-powered features cost tokens. These operations run without any token charge:

  • Semantic search — finding courses, resources, and people by meaning
  • Matchmaking — connecting learners with peers and mentors
  • Content recommendations — surfacing relevant courses and resources
  • Basic chat — standard messaging and collaboration

What consumes tokens

Token-consuming AI features are those that call external LLM providers or paid APIs on your behalf:

AI agent conversations Asking Iki, the Professor, or the Librarian for help. Cost depends on the length of the conversation and how complex the response is.

Content generation Using AI to draft module outlines, task instructions, learning objectives, or course descriptions. Longer, more structured outputs cost more.

Librarian cataloging When the Librarian agent maps a course, module, or resource to the Learning Graph — running topic searches, exploration, and relationship commits via a streaming pipeline.

Web search The Librarian and other agents can run external web searches to find public resources. Each search call incurs a small token cost.

Embeddings Creating vector embeddings for semantic search and matching. Typically a minor, one-time cost when content is first indexed.

The pricing formula

All AI costs follow the same formula:

Token Cost = (Variable Cost × 1.9) ÷ 0.01€

The variable cost is the inferred cost from the underlying service provider (e.g. the LLM API). The 1.9 multiplier is the 90% markup for platform sustainability. Dividing by 0.01€ converts the euro amount into tokens.

Fixed Token Value

Each token has a baseline value of 0.01€, providing predictable pricing and easy budget planning across all premium operations.

90% Markup on Premium Operations

For all premium operations (AI interactions, storage), ikigize adds a 90% markup to the inferred cost, ensuring platform sustainability while maintaining transparency.

Stable Token Price

The token price remains fixed at 0.01€ per token. As underlying service costs fluctuate, token consumption rates adjust rather than token prices, maintaining financial clarity.

Full Transparency

Clear cost breakdown for every operation. Users can see exactly how tokens map to platform costs, ensuring trust and informed decision-making.

Token Cost Calculation Formula
1

Infer Variable Cost

Calculate actual cost from service providers

AI API costs, storage infrastructure costs

2

Apply 90% Markup

Add markup for platform sustainability

Variable cost × 1.9

3

Convert to Tokens

Convert final cost to tokens

Cost with markup ÷ 0.01€ per token

Token Cost = (Variable Cost × 1.9) ÷ 0.01€

Token Value: 0.01€ per token | Markup: 90%

Premium Operation Costs

Average AI Conversation

Variable: 0.10€ → With markup: 0.19€

19 tokens

Storage per GB/month

Variable: 0.021€ → With markup: 0.04€

~4 tokens

Practical estimates

OperationApprox. tokensApprox. cost
Average AI conversation~19 tokens~0.19€
Short content generation task~10–30 tokens~0.10–0.30€
Librarian full catalog run~30–80 tokens~0.30–0.80€
Single web search~3–5 tokens~0.03–0.05€

These are estimates — actual costs vary with conversation length, content volume, and model selection.

Which wallet is charged for AI

AI usage is always debited from your user wallet — the account that triggered the request. There are no separate course or campus wallets for AI.

If you are a member of an organisation that provides coverage for AI spend, part of the cost may be paid from the organisation wallet up to the limits your admins configure. Your wallet view shows your usage and how coverage applies. Coverage does not change the fact that usage is attributed to you; it only affects how the cost is split between wallets.

Token refunds

If an AI operation fails due to a platform or provider error, tokens are automatically refunded. The transaction history clearly marks refunded operations so your balance is always accurate.

Next steps