AI automation ROI calculator
Monthly value = times per week × minutes each ÷ 60 × 4.33 × % automated × hourly cost. Payback = build cost ÷ (monthly value − monthly running cost).
Your estimate
Email me these results
Keep a copy to share with your team or business partner.
How to use it
- List the task. Name a repetitive task, such as answering order-status questions or entering invoices.
- Count how often and how long. Enter how many times it happens per week and how many minutes each one takes.
- Estimate the automatable share. Estimate what percentage could be handled automatically. 50–70% is a cautious starting point for rule-based tasks.
- Add your hourly cost. Use the loaded hourly cost of the people doing the task (wage plus overheads).
- Add build and running costs. Optionally add a one-off build cost and a monthly running cost to see the payback period.
Not sure which tasks to include? The free AI audit suggests them for you.
ROI questions
How do you calculate the ROI of automation?
Monthly savings = times per week × minutes each ÷ 60 × 4.33 weeks × share automated × hourly cost. Subtract monthly running costs to get net savings. Payback period = one-off build cost ÷ net monthly savings.
What percentage of a task can be automated?
It depends on the task. Rule-based, high-volume tasks like reminders, data transfer and status updates are often largely automatable. Tasks that need judgement are usually partly automated, with AI drafting and a person approving. Use a cautious number. An audit measures it properly.
What hourly cost should I use?
Use the fully loaded cost: wages plus taxes, benefits and overheads, divided by working hours. If you do the task yourself as an owner, use what an hour of your time is worth to the business.