---
title: What are “minutes” and how are they counted?
description: "Minutes measure the time used for call handling. They are different from a count of calls or a count of unique callers. ## Why duration matters A caller asking for your hours may need only a brief answer. An order,…"
url: "https://www.heyethan.ai/aireceptionist/docs/what-are-minutes-and-how-counted/"
updated: "2026-10-06"
category: Pricing + Billing
---

# What are “minutes” and how are they counted?

Minutes measure the time used for call handling. They are different from a count of calls or a count of unique callers.

## Why duration matters

A caller asking for your hours may need only a brief answer. An order, intake conversation, or scheduling request may take much longer. A per-call allowance treats both as one call; a unique-caller allowance counts people according to the provider's definition, regardless of how long they talk.

## Our approach

Your plan includes a shared monthly minute allowance. English and Spanish use that same allowance. Additional minutes are $0.25 per minute.

## Confirm the measurement rules

Your proposal or service terms must identify the billing increments, any rounding, how transfer time and outbound calls are measured, and the treatment of hang-ups or unwanted calls. Do not assume that every call is rounded to a full minute or that spam, post-call processing, or transferred time is automatically included or excluded.

## Example

A 20-second hours question and a 10-minute intake conversation use different amounts of call time. Their billed usage follows the agreed measurement rules. We review those rules before launch.