---
name: estimate-phase
description: Estimate token cost and recommend a model for a development phase. Use when planning a phase and wanting to know the expected AI cost before starting.
argument-hint: "[phase goal or description]"
---

# Estimate Phase Cost

Estimate the total token cost and optimal model for a development phase.

## Input

The user provides a phase goal or description via $ARGUMENTS. This should describe what the phase will accomplish (e.g., "Add authentication with JWT tokens, login/signup pages, and password reset flow").

## Steps

1. Call the `fathom_estimate_task_cost` MCP tool with the phase description from $ARGUMENTS as the task description
2. Call the `fathom_recommend_model` MCP tool to get the optimal model recommendation for this type of work
3. Present results in a clear summary:
   - **Estimated tokens**: input + output token counts
   - **Estimated cost**: dollar amount
   - **Recommended model**: which model to use and why
   - **Confidence level**: how confident the estimate is

## Output Format

Present a concise summary:

**Phase Estimate: [phase name]**
- Tokens: ~X input / ~Y output
- Cost: ~$Z
- Model: [recommended model] — [reason]
- Confidence: [high/medium/low]

If the estimate confidence is low, suggest breaking the phase into smaller tasks for more accurate estimates.