AI for Business · Lesson 2
Calculating AI ROI
A time-savings formula, error reduction metrics, and a ready-made template to justify AI investments to leadership.
Practical exercise
What to do after this lesson
Choose one recurring task, measure current time, and calculate monthly savings at 60% automation.
Ready-to-use prompt
Template for this lesson
Copy and adapt to your context. Text in angle brackets should be replaced.
Help me calculate the ROI of AI in process [NAME]. Inputs: [N] employees, task takes [X] min, [Y] times/day, hourly rate [Z], tool cost [W]/month. Assume a realistic automation rate and calculate payback period.
Common mistakes
What people get wrong
- Not accounting for review time — add 20-30% back for remaining manual effort. 2. Showing leadership only hours saved, not dollars — convert savings to money.
Pro tips
What works but no one documents
- Build a Google Sheets ROI calculator — plug in each use case and instantly see payback. 2. Target a use case with ROI above 300% in 3 months for your first pilot — removes CFO skepticism.