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Simulation size directly impacts both testing diversity and simulation costs. Getting the right balance ensures comprehensive coverage without unnecessary expense.

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Three Size Parameters

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Number of Personas

Each persona represents a distinct user with unique style, goals, and behavior patterns. Conversations with the same persona feel like the same type of person is talking.

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Max Conversations

The maximum number of total conversations to generate. The actual number might be slightly under this limit, but typically very close.

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Max Conversation Length

The maximum number of turns (back-and-forth exchanges) per conversation. Actual lengths vary from 3 turns up to your maximum, based on how the persona and chatbot interact. These are maximums—actual counts may be lower based on natural conversation flow.

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Sizing Guidelines

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Small Volume (Under 100 conversations)

Maximize diversity with a 5:1 ratio of conversations to personas.
ConversationsPersonas
255
5010
7515
This gives you the most variety in user types and interaction patterns.

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Medium Volume (100-500 conversations)

Maintain a ratio between 5:1 and 20:1 based on your goals.
  • Closer to 5:1 for maximum diversity
  • Closer to 20:1 for deeper testing of each persona type
ConversationsPersonas
20010-40
30015-60

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Large Volume (Over 500 conversations)

Don’t exceed a 20:1 ratio (20 conversations per persona).
ConversationsPersonas (minimum)
50025
1,00050
2,000100
Beyond 20:1, you start seeing repetitive interactions that don’t add testing value.

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Common Testing Scenarios

Quick Feature Test 
Conversations: 50
Personas: 10
Max Turns: 5
Comprehensive Evaluation 
Conversations: 250
Personas: 25
Max Turns: 7
Edge Case Discovery 
Conversations: 500
Personas: 50
Max Turns: 10
Regression Testing 
Conversations: 100
Personas: 20
Max Turns: 5

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Quick Reference Sizes

Not sure what to pick? Start with these defaults:
SizeConversationsPersonasMax Turns
Small100105
Medium250257
Large1,5007512
Run your first simulation, review results, then adjust:
  • Need more diversity? Increase personas
  • Missing edge cases? Increase total conversations
  • Conversations ending too early? Increase max turns

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Plan Limits

Your Botster plan determines:
  • Maximum conversations per simulation
  • Total conversations per month
  • Concurrent simulation limits
Check your limits in Settings → Billing.

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Next Steps