Each section answers first and explains second. Calculations are traceable examples, not outcome promises.
A credit has no universal value
Every provider defines its own credit. Even inside one platform, a model, resolution or mode can consume a different amount per second or generation. Comparing “one thousand credits” across tools is meaningless without the consumption rule.
Start by preserving the official formula: credits per second, image or generation. Then convert the allowance into technical units for the exact configuration you plan to use.
Turn technical units into accepted clips
The theoretical balance tells you how many attempts fit, not how many clips will be published. Divide by duration and consumption, apply the average attempt count and calculate how many results pass quality control.
If part of a plan is unlimited, do not turn the entire catalog into zero cost. Check which models, modes, queues, speeds or conditions are actually covered.
Model expiry, rollover and overage
Credits may renew, expire, accumulate or allow additional purchases. These rules change effective cost, especially when production volume is uneven.
A cheap allowance can be wasted when the team has no time to use it. A higher overage rate may be preferable for occasional volume because it avoids a fixed commitment.
Preserve traceability
Store the plan name, model, unit, currency, date, URL and relevant conditions. Without that information, a figure stops being auditable when the provider updates its pricing page.
Review rates before a material purchase and replace public data with the value from your account when regional prices or promotions apply. Responsible precision includes admitting when no universal value exists.
TOOLS MENTIONED
What each tool does and how it is priced
Runway
High-quality AI video generation and editing.
- Verified price
- API: 5–12 credits per second for Gen-4 Turbo and Gen-4.5; 1 credit = US$0.01.
- Strength
- Mature workflow and transparent API unit pricing.
- Weakness
- Discarded generations can consume budget quickly.
Pika
Short clips, transformations and fast social effects.
- Verified price
- Free with 80 credits; paid plans from US$8/month when billed yearly.
- Strength
- Fast learning curve and approachable creative tools.
- Weakness
- Credit use varies widely by resolution, duration and effect.
Luma Dream Machine
Generative video, image and editing with a shared credit balance.
- Verified price
- Web plans: Plus US$30, Pro US$90 and Ultra US$300 per month.
- Strength
- Broad selection of first- and third-party models.
- Weakness
- Cost per clip varies substantially by model, resolution and mode.
Prices are subject to change. Last reviewed 24 July 2026. Check tax, region, promotions and your account rate before purchasing.
Credits to clips
accepted clips = plan credits ÷ (credits/clip × attempts)- Balance
- 1,000 credits
- Credits per clip
- 40
- Average attempts
- 2
Step-by-step method
- 01
Read the unit
Credits per second, clip or action.
- 02
Add resolution and mode
The same model can multiply usage at HD or 4K.
- 03
Calculate accepted clips
Divide balance by the full cost including attempts.
- 04
Convert to money
Use the applicable plan or top-up price.
FAQ
Questions people actually ask
How many credits do I need for ten seconds?
Multiply the model rate per second by ten and by average attempts. Check minimum charges per generation.
Do AI credits expire?
It depends on provider and credit type. Review monthly balance, rollover and top-ups separately.
Can I compare 1,000 credits across tools?
Not directly. Convert them to the same duration, resolution and accepted-output count.
PART OF
- I want to spend less on AI toolsWhere budget leaks: unused credits, discarded attempts and wrongly sized plans.
The planner turns this method into capacity, cost, scenarios and an operating week using your constraints.
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