Mileage / Points Value Calculator
Calculate the cents-per-point value of using miles or points for a flight or hotel — and decide whether to redeem or pay cash.
What is Mileage / Points Value Calculator?
The miles and points value calculator tells you whether to use your points or pay cash. Cents-per-point (cpp) is the standard metric — divide cash savings by points used.
Formula
cpp = (cash price − taxes/fees) ÷ points × 100. Compare to typical fair-value: airline miles ~1.5¢/pt, hotel points 0.6–1.0¢/pt, transferable points (Chase UR, Amex MR) 1.5–2.0¢/pt.
Worked example
$600 flight for 50,000 miles + $5.60 fees: (600 − 5.60) / 50,000 × 100 = 1.19¢/pt. Below average for airline miles — pay cash if it doesn't hurt your budget.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the cash price for the flight or hotel.
- Enter the points cost.
- Add any taxes/fees you'd still pay with points.
Frequently asked questions
What's a "good" cents-per-point?
Airline miles: 1.5+¢. Hotel points: 0.6+¢. Chase UR / Amex MR: 1.5+¢. Below those values, paying cash usually wins.
What about award flight availability?
If award seats are scarce, even a "fair" 1.2¢/pt redemption may be the only way to fly that route on points. Sometimes you redeem just because the cash flight is sold out.
Do I include miles I'd earn from paying cash?
Yes for a careful comparison. Paying cash earns ~1–3% back in miles or rewards. Subtract that from the "cash price" before computing cpp on the points option.
Are taxes/fees always with points?
Almost always — minimum security/government fees (~$5.60 domestic, $50–150 international) apply even on award tickets. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic add steep fuel surcharges to award flights too.