An AI cost ledger stores normalized usage and cost entries for AI operations. Each entry can identify the provider, model, run, agent, user segment, quantity, price basis and time of the charge.
A ledger supports budgets, audit and later reconciliation when provider pricing or delayed usage data arrives. Entries should be append-only or versioned so corrections remain traceable rather than rewriting historical spending silently.
ELI5
An AI cost ledger is a lasting record of how much models, tools and computing resources cost. Each entry connects a charge to details such as the provider, model, task, user and time.
For example, a company can use the ledger to see that one agent workflow spent €20 on model calls and €5 on remote computing. Corrections should be added in a traceable way instead of silently rewriting old entries, so budgets and audits remain trustworthy.
What does an AI cost ledger record?
It records attributed usage, price, provider, model, run, agent, user or task and the time each cost occurred.
Why keep a separate cost ledger?
A ledger supports budgets, audits and reconciliation across providers while preserving a durable history of corrections.
