What is a token in the context of LLMs?

A token is the smallest unit of text that a language model processes. In English, one token is roughly 4 characters or about 0.75 words. Different models use different tokenizers, so the same text can produce different token counts.

How accurate is this token counter?

For OpenAI models, counts are exact — this tool uses the same tokenizers (cl100k_base and o200k_base) that OpenAI uses. For other providers, counts are close approximations based on similar tokenizer families.

Why do different models give different token counts?

Each model family uses its own tokenizer with a different vocabulary. GPT-4o uses o200k_base while Claude and Gemini use their own tokenizers. A word that's one token in GPT-4 might be two tokens in another model.

Is this token counter free to use?

Yes, completely free with no signup or account required. Token counting runs client-side in your browser, so your text is never sent to any server.

How is LLM API cost calculated from tokens?

LLM APIs charge separately for input tokens (your prompt) and output tokens (the response). Prices are quoted per million tokens. Your total cost is (input tokens × input rate) + (output tokens × output rate).

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Instant usage analysis and API cost estimation across OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, Meta, Mistral, and DeepSeek.

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Tokens

Characters

Words

How to Count Tokens

1
Enter your text
Paste or type your prompt into the text area. Pick a preset prompt if you want a quick start.
2
View counts instantly
Usage figures update in real time for every model. Sort by any column to find the cheapest or most cost-efficient option.
3
Compare costs across providers
See input and output cost for each model side by side. Filter by provider to narrow your comparison.

Why Use This Counter

Exact counts for OpenAI models using official cl100k_base and o200k_base tokenizers
60+ models from 15 providers — OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, xAI, Meta, Mistral, DeepSeek, and more
Runs entirely in your browser. Your text never leaves your machine.
Sort by input cost, output cost, or prompt size to find the best deal
Shareable URLs — bookmark or send a link with your text and settings pre-filled