Start with started minutes
AnswerCheap bills by each started minute. A 65-second call counts as two started minutes, not 1.08 minutes. Estimate each call with the same rounding rule you will see in usage.
Estimated started minutes = calls per month × average started minutes per call
Example:
- 120 calls per month;
- average of two started minutes per call;
- 120 × 2 = 240 started minutes.
Compare the full plan math
At the current rates, Growth includes 200 started minutes and charges $0.79 for each overage minute. In the 240-minute example:
- 200 minutes are included;
- 40 are overage;
- 40 × $0.79 = $31.60 usage overage;
- add the monthly plan price and any optional add-ons.
That arithmetic does not automatically make Growth the right plan. Compare the total with the next plan, the features you need, and how variable your busy months are.
Include the costs people forget
- calls that cross another minute boundary;
- seasonal peaks and unusually long calls;
- spam calls that reach the handling path;
- extra phone numbers or setup help you choose;
- carrier call legs, which may use different billing rules;
- applicable taxes or carrier charges outside AnswerCheap.
Use a sample of your recent calls when possible. It is a better guide to call length than website visits.
Check the current AnswerCheap answering-service rate card and examples before choosing a plan. It is the current source if rates change.