Frequently Asked Questions
What does MyAIUsage actually do?
It gives a rough estimate of the water and electricity tied to your AI prompts. The goal is awareness, not precision — helping you grasp the scale and make more mindful choices.
How accurate are the numbers?
They’re indicative. Real-world impact varies based on the AI model, the data centre’s efficiency, local energy mix, and many other factors. For full transparency, see the Methodology.
Why do image prompts count more than text?
Image generation typically needs far more compute than a short text reply, so we weight image prompts much higher in the estimate.
Do you include training impacts?
No. The calculator is focused on everyday usage (inference). Training is significantly more resource-intensive, but it happens much less often and isn’t tied to your daily prompts.
Where do your figures come from?
From academic research on data-centre water use and AI workloads, plus public talks and posts from vendors and cloud providers. We list the main sources and assumptions on the Methodology page.
Can I reduce my AI footprint?
- Combine tasks: Ask bigger, more complete questions instead of lots of tiny ones.
- Prefer text when you can: Images use much more compute.
- Use the right tool: Smaller models are fine for everyday queries.
- Turn off auto features: Disable auto-runs or background AI you don’t need.
Are my entries saved?
The calculator runs in your browser. If you subscribe to updates, we store only the email you provide for that purpose. For details, see the Privacy page.
Can businesses use this?
Yes. Treat it as a directional tool for awareness or internal reporting. If you need custom assumptions or data exports, get in touch.
Why compare to kettles, coffee, or dishwashers?
Familiar comparisons make abstract numbers easier to understand. They’re approximations to give context, not strict equivalences.
I have newer data — can you update the tool?
We welcome it. Please email contact@myaiusage.com with sources and we’ll review for future updates.