How it works
Lifetime = one-time payment − monthly cost × months. Subscription = (price − monthly cost) × Σ(1 − churn)^m.
Revenue and pricing
Lifetime vs subscription calculator
Compare a one-time payment with a subscription over a finite horizon, subtracting the cost of serving active users.
- Lifetime contribution over horizon
- $380.00
- Expected subscription contribution
- $637.21
- Lifetime − subscription difference
- -$257.21
The horizon does not limit your lifetime contractual obligation. Assumes continuous lifetime costs and subscription costs only while active; fees are excluded.
Worked example
Over 24 months, a lifetime price of 500 with a cost of 5/month leaves 380. A 50/month subscription without churn leaves 1,080.
Assumptions and limits
The horizon does not limit your lifetime contractual obligation. Assumes continuous lifetime costs and subscription costs only while active; fees are excluded.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use the lifetime vs subscription calculator?
Compare a one-time payment with a subscription over a finite horizon, subtracting the cost of serving active users.
Does this prove I can offer a lifetime plan?
No. Model future costs, AI usage, support, and a longer horizon before setting an offer.
Do I need an account and are my inputs uploaded?
No account is required. Calculations run in your browser. Entered numbers and text are not included in tool analytics events; only the tool ID, language, and action are recorded.
Want to go past the numbers and see the real market?
Noctral shows estimated MRR, live ads, creators, and competitors so you can validate opportunities with real signals instead of projections.
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