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Verification Tax Calculator

Track whether your AI pilot is genuinely saving time - or just shifting where the effort goes.

Net Value = (Time Before AI) − (Time With AI) − (Verification Time)
If this number is negative, you're paying more than you're gaining.
⚡
The Cognitive Load Trap
A 1:1 time swap is actually a loss. Reading AI output to hunt for subtle errors requires more intense focus than writing a rough draft from scratch. If your verification time equals your drafting time saved, you haven't broken even - you've exhausted your team. Verification must be significantly lower than time saved.

Your Team

People using the tool
€ per hour (blended)
€/month total
Track progress

Tasks

Measure the full manual cycle. "Before" should include checking and revisions you used to do as you went - not just typing. Use a stopwatch.
Task Before
(min)		 With AI
(min)		 Verify
(min)		 Net Ratio Per Wk Mo. Hrs
What good (and bad) looks like
Architecture: Site log
30→5 min, 10 min verify
✓ +15 min net, 40% ratio
Consulting: Feedback
4hr→1hr, 30 min verify
✓ +150 min net, 17% ratio
Engineering: Compliance
3hr→1hr, 2.5hr verify
✗ −30 min net, 125% ratio

Results

Monthly Hours Saved
0
hours
Avg. Verification Ratio
-
verify ÷ saved
Net Monthly Benefit
€0
after tool cost
Return on Investment
0%
monthly ROI
📊
Add your tasks above
Enter at least one task to see your pilot verdict.
Four ways to reduce verification tax
1. Golden Test Set
Test on 10-20 examples with known answers before rollout. Typically cuts verification by 30-40%.
2. Start Simple
Begin with low-stakes tasks where errors are obvious and fast to fix. Save compliance docs for later.
3. Audit → Spot-Check
Week 1: review 100%. As accuracy stabilises, shift to 20%. Trust builds over time.
4. Track the Trendline
Log actual times weekly. If verification isn't dropping by Week 4, fix the prompt or kill the pilot.
Decision Rules
  • Week 4 deadline: Scale, Kill, or Pivot. No "continue piloting."
  • Ratio above 50%: You're exhausting your team. Refine prompts or choose a simpler task.
  • Flat after Week 4: The tool is structurally flawed for this task. Archive it.

Part of The Complete AI Toolkit

From "The AI Pilot Handbook" by Alastair McDermott

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I turn AI tech & strategy into clear, actionable insights. You’ll discover how to leverage AI, how to integrate it strategically to get a competitive edge, automate tedious tasks, and improve business decision-making.

– Alastair.