Batch summaries
100k input tokens and 50k output tokens for a content batch.
Model calculator
GPT Token Calculator
Turn GPT token counts into a dollar estimate and compare OpenAI's models for the same workload.
Pricing table last updated: 2026-05-13
Interactive tool
Convert tokens to cost
Use presets, share the exact inputs, and scan the live breakdown.
Estimated total cost$1.00
Cost per 1k tokens$0.0067
Examples
Short support reply
2,000 prompt tokens and a compact 300-token answer.
GPT-5.4: $2.50 input / $15.00 output per 1M tokens.
How this GPT Token Calculator works
How GPT counts tokens
GPT splits text into tokens with byte-pair encoding, so one token is roughly four English characters — but code, punctuation, emoji, and non-English text break that ratio, and even whitespace counts. For exact numbers use the tiktoken library or read the usage field the API returns. The part that surprises budgets: your system prompt, the full conversation history, and any retrieved context are re-sent as input tokens on every call, so a chat or agent feature's input grows turn over turn.
Choosing the right GPT model
Treat the lineup as a ladder. GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.5 Pro are for genuinely hard reasoning and carry the steepest output price; GPT-5.4 is the everyday workhorse; GPT-5.4 mini and nano exist for cheap, high-volume jobs like classification, extraction, and routing. Because output is priced well above input on every tier, anything that generates long answers is dominated by output cost — switch the model in the calculator above to compare the same workload across tiers before you commit.
What this estimate leaves out
The figure is a standard list-price baseline. It excludes cached-input discounts, the Batch API (much cheaper for non-urgent jobs), priority and flex tiers, image and audio tokens, and tool-call fees. Size your feature here, then reconcile against real OpenAI usage once traffic is live.
Examples
GPT-5.4 · 30,000 input → 800 output tokens per run. Small output, so input dominates the bill.
GPT-5.4 nano · 1,000,000 short messages. Input-heavy with tiny output on the cheapest tier.
GPT-5.5 Pro · 5,000 input / 2,000 output tokens. Long output on the priciest tier — output cost leads.
FAQ
Are these AI costs exact?
They are estimates based on public token prices. Your bill can change with cached tokens, batch discounts, image or audio usage, taxes, provider credits, and model-specific rules.
Which currency does the calculator use?
All calculators use USD by default because major AI providers publish API pricing in USD.
How are GPT tokens counted?
OpenAI uses byte-pair encoding. As a rough guide one token is about four English characters, but code, symbols, and other languages differ. For exact counts use the tiktoken library or the usage field the API returns.
Why do GPT output tokens cost more than input tokens?
Generating tokens is more compute-intensive than reading them, so OpenAI prices output higher on every model. Features that produce long responses are driven mostly by output cost.
Which GPT model is cheapest?
Within OpenAI's lineup the mini and nano tiers are the cheapest and suit high-volume, low-complexity work. Reserve GPT-5.5 and GPT-5.5 Pro for tasks that genuinely need stronger reasoning.