How do I calculate email usage and automation runs in Bika.ai?
When sending emails through Bika.ai, usage is typically measured in two parts:
Email Sending Method
• If you use Bika Email Service → your usage counts toward the monthly 25,000 managed emails limit (maximum under the Business Plan).
• If you use Custom SMTP or SMTP Integration → email sending is unlimited, and only automation run limits apply.
Automation Run Calculation
Each time an automation is triggered, it counts as one automation run — regardless of how many steps (emails, delays, conditions, etc.) are inside that automation.
Example:
If you have 1,000 leads per month and send a registration confirmation email + a reminder email through the same automation (using a delay), that’s still just 1,000 automation runs .
However, if those emails are sent via two separate automations, the same 1,000 leads would generate 2,000 automation runs.
Summary:
| What Counts | Impacted Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Using Bika Email Service | 25,000 managed emails/month | Shared across all automations |
| Using Custom SMTP | Unlimited emails | Only automation runs are counted |
| Each automation triggered | 1 automation run | Includes all steps within a single automation flow |
If you’re unsure what plan fits your workflow best, feel free to share your setup in our community and get tailored help: 
https://community.bika.ai
Recommended Reading: How Can I Send Bulk Marketing Emails in Bika.ai?
Recommended Reading: How Can I Configure 5 SMTP Settings in One Bika.ai Space?