CALCULATOR · RETAKES
AI video retake calculator
The listed price is not the real price. This page targets the hidden budget problem: failed generations, unusable outputs and client revisions.
Retakes are the hidden cost
Retakes happen when a generated clip is technically wrong, visually off-brand, too unstable, or simply not good enough to keep. For cost planning, track how many generations you create and how many clips you actually use.
| Workflow | Suggested multiplier | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Simple abstract/B-roll clips | 1.2× | Low realism pressure and flexible outputs. |
| Normal creator workflow | 1.5× | Some outputs fail, but not every shot needs perfection. |
| Ads, products, faces, text | 2.0× | More strict review standards and more visible errors. |
| Client campaign / brand work | 3.0× | Approval cycles and tiny defects drive retries. |
Track it for one week
- Log every generation.
- Mark which clips were kept.
- Divide total generations by kept clips.
- Use that number in the ClipBudget calculator.
FAQ
What is a retake multiplier?
It is total generations divided by clips kept. If you generate 30 clips and keep 15, your multiplier is 2.0×.
Why does ClipBudget default to 1.5×?
It is a moderate creator workflow assumption: not every generation fails, but enough do that raw list price underestimates budget.
When should I use 3.0×?
Use 3.0× for strict brand work, product videos, faces, hands, readable text and client approval cycles.
Need exact project math? Use the ClipBudget calculator to compare Sora, Veo, Runway, Kling, Seedance, Wan and Vidu with a realistic retake buffer.