# GPU cost per accepted output — Compute Lens

Canonical: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/guide.html
Reviewed: 2026-09-19
Author: AGI Scorecard team
Version: 1.1.0

Compute Lens compares measured workload runs using total entered compute, setup, storage and egress costs per accepted output. It filters mismatched workload labels, currencies, quality and memory limits. All examples are fictional; no live GPU quotes are supplied.

## Method

Total cost = hourly rate × (setup + run seconds) / 3600 + storage + egress. Divide by accepted outputs; filter mismatched workloads, currencies and memory constraints.

## Workflow

1. Run identical fixtures with the same weights, precision and acceptance rule.
2. Record all billed setup/run time and ancillary costs, including failed attempts.
3. Compare eligible runs and investigate any changed workload assumptions.

## Common mistake

Using all attempts as the denominator makes failed outputs look productive. A run with no accepted outputs has no estimable cost per accepted output.

## Worked scenarios

### Compare useful outputs

Setup and rejected work change the apparent GPU bargain.
Fictional inputs: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/examples/accepted.json
Run: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/?scenario=accepted#workbench
- Comparable runs: 2
- Excluded runs: 0
- Lowest entered cost / accepted: 0.00389474 USD

### No accepted outputs

Zero useful output stays unestimable rather than appearing free.
Fictional inputs: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/examples/zero.json
Run: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/?scenario=zero#workbench
- Comparable runs: 1
- Excluded runs: 1
- Lowest entered cost / accepted: 0.00389474 USD

### The model does not fit

The cheapest entered run must still satisfy the memory requirement.
Fictional inputs: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/examples/memory.json
Run: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/?scenario=memory#workbench
- Comparable runs: 1
- Excluded runs: 1
- Lowest entered cost / accepted: 0.008125 USD

## Questions

### Why can a cheaper GPU have a higher cost per useful result?

Longer setup, slower execution, rejected outputs or data-transfer costs can outweigh the hourly discount. Compare the same workload and acceptance rule, and include all billed time before dividing by accepted outputs.

### Is Compute Lens free, and do I need a wallet?

All current functions are free beta. No account, wallet connection, subscription or model API key is needed. No live GPU inventory, automatic benchmarking, reservation, infrastructure management or verified savings.

### Can I use my own records and keep them private?

Yes. Enter records, import JSON or paste CSV into record groups. Inputs and comparison snapshots stay in this browser tab. Share-example links contain only a public scenario name. Review downloaded reports before sharing your records.

## Alternatives and official sources

- [Akash](https://akash.network/): Decentralized compute marketplace with resource configuration, provider bidding and deployment.
- [Runpod](https://www.runpod.io/pricing): GPU cloud offerings with separate compute and storage pricing.

Buy from an infrastructure provider when you need compute. This tool helps review the economics of measurements; it cannot supply hardware or prove a workload is representative.

## Limits

No live GPU inventory, automatic benchmarking, reservation, infrastructure management or verified savings.
These are arithmetic estimates from your entered measurements, rounded to 8 decimals. They are not live provider quotes or independently measured benchmarks.

All supplied run and setup time is billed at the entered hourly rate. Include failed runs, cold starts and retries in the measurement. GPU availability, parallelism, taxes, discounts and unentered costs are not inferred.

Identical workload/model labels are necessary, not sufficient, for a fair comparison. Check model weights, quantization, region, input set and evaluation rule yourself.

## Input and output

Structural schema: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/input.schema.json
The engine additionally validates ranges, dates, amount formats, uniqueness and cross-field rules.
Input JSON and CSV paste are processed locally. No model, account or wallet is needed.
Reports can be downloaded as JSON or Markdown and printed locally. Public scenario links never include user records.

## Price and license

Current functions are free beta. No paid plan or update SLA is offered.
Tool bundle license: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/LICENSE.txt
Privacy: https://compute.agiscorecard.com/privacy.html