Free Economics Tool

Compare the cost of a traditional team vs an AI-operated workflow

Estimate the economics before you commit. Adjust the inputs and see the numbers update in real time.

Your inputs

Salary + benefits + management overhead

Model usage + automation tooling

Results

Traditional Annual Cost

$240,000

AI Annual Cost

$9,600

Estimated Annual Savings

$230,400

Monthly delta

$19,200/mo

Cost ratio (traditional : AI)

25.0x

What you're comparing

Traditional Small Team

  • Paying for output and idle time
  • Role overhead — hiring, onboarding, turnover
  • Coordination cost between team members
  • Management drag — meetings, check-ins, reviews

Paperclip-Style Operation

  • One operator setting direction and reviewing output
  • Governance layer instead of management layer
  • Lighter execution — agents scale without headcount
  • Pay for compute, not presence

This is directional planning math, not legal or accounting advice. Use it to frame the decision, not to replace professional financial guidance.

Want the full spreadsheet?

Get the editable version with scenario modeling, role-by-role breakdown, and break-even analysis.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

If the economics make sense, the next step is the operating model

The calculator shows you the cost delta. The Playbook shows you how to actually build and govern the system — roles, workflows, review loops, and a 48-hour install sequence.

Want ongoing operating insights? Explore the Knowledge Hub — $19/mo

Back to paperclip.ceoView Dashboard