> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kw.hellenictechnologies.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Usage & Billing

> Track hellenicAI Assistants spend in the usage and billing dashboard, including message volume, token consumption, seat counts, invoices, and a forecast for next month.

The **Usage** tab on your instance dashboard gives you a clear picture of how your AI assistant is being used and what you are spending.

## Usage card

The usage card at the top of the Usage tab shows a summary for the current billing cycle:

| Metric             | What it means                                                       |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Messages sent**  | Total number of messages your assistant has received and replied to |
| **Tokens used**    | Total tokens consumed (input + output combined)                     |
| **Estimated cost** | Your accrued cost so far this cycle based on model pricing          |

## Understanding tokens

AI models process text in units called **tokens**. As a rough guide:

* 1 token ≈ 4 characters of English text
* A short message ("What are your opening hours?") ≈ 10–15 tokens
* A detailed reply (300 words) ≈ 400–500 tokens

Both the messages sent *to* your assistant (input) and the replies it generates (output) count towards your token total.

## Cost breakdown

Your bill is calculated as:

```
Monthly base fee + (tokens used × per-token rate)
```

The per-token rate depends on the AI model you have selected. More capable models cost more per token. You can see a breakdown by model in the Usage tab.

## Billing cycle

* Your billing cycle starts on the date you first activated your instance.
* You are charged monthly via the payment method on file.
* An invoice is emailed to you at the end of each cycle.

<Note>
  Switching AI models mid-cycle is fine. Usage costs for each model are tracked separately, so your bill accurately reflects which model was used for which messages.
</Note>

## Setting a usage alert

To avoid unexpected charges, you can set a monthly usage alert from the Usage tab:

1. Click **Set alert** next to the estimated cost.
2. Enter a threshold (e.g. €50).
3. Click **Save**.

You will receive an email notification when your usage reaches that amount.

## Questions about your bill?

Email [support@hellenicai.com](mailto:support@hellenicai.com) with your account email and the billing period you are asking about.