Updated · Methodology: named formula library
LLM Latency Budget
Calculate user-facing latency from token output speed.
Tokens to TPS = 25:4 (6 as decimal).
Latency Math
Time to first token (TTFT): 200–800ms typical. Streaming TPS: GPT-5 ~80, Claude Sonnet ~60, Claude Haiku ~150. For real-time UX, target <2s total response.
Worked Example
500 Tokens to 80 TPS
- a
- 500
- b
- 80
- Result
- 25:4 (6.25)
500 / 80 = 6.25. Simplified: 25:4.
When to Use This Calculator
- Plan UX for streaming AI features
Limitations & Common Mistakes
- Results are estimates from your inputs.
- Verify with current data for major decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the LLM Latency Budget computed?
Tokens divided by TPS, plus a simplified ratio (e.g., 4:3) using greatest common divisor. Both decimal and ratio forms are useful in different contexts: decimal for math, ratio form for comparisons or recipe scaling.
What does Tokens:TPS mean?
It's a comparison: for every TPS unit, you have a corresponding amount of Tokens. Useful when the absolute numbers matter less than the proportion (e.g., reading 8:1 LTV/CAC immediately tells you the unit economics are healthy without needing the dollar amounts).
Why simplify the ratio?
4:3 is more readable than 200:150. The simplified form (using greatest common divisor) preserves the proportion while making it easier to interpret. Common simplified ratios: 16:9 (widescreen), 4:3 (legacy displays), 3:1 (LTV:CAC for SaaS).
When is a ratio more useful than the absolute values?
Comparison across scales. A $1B company and a $1M company can both have a 3:1 LTV:CAC; the ratio reveals comparable unit economics regardless of scale. Use ratios for benchmarking; use absolute numbers for budgeting.
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