LLM Token Counter
Estimate the number of tokens in a text for LLM API usage and cost planning.
At 100 requests/day, your estimated LLM API cost is $31/month.
Why This Calculation Matters
The LLM Token Counter makes AI spend predictable. Usage-based pricing can scale fast, model the math upfront so you're budgeting with reality, not surprise bills.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your values in the input fields, each one has a label and help text explaining what to type.
- Results appear instantly as you type; there's no "calculate" button to press.
- Change any input to compare scenarios side by side.
All math happens in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server, saved, or shared.
Cost Optimization Tips
- Use cheaper models for simple or bulk tasks, and premium models only when quality matters.
- Implement prompt caching where supported to cut repeat-prefix costs.
- Batch requests when your use case allows.
- Shorten prompts, tokens you don't send are tokens you don't pay for.
Token Counting
Tokens are the units that language models process. English text averages about 1 token per 4 characters or 1.3 tokens per word.
Quick Estimates
- 100 words ≈ 130 tokens
- 1 page of text ≈ 400-500 tokens
- 1 A4 page ≈ 500-700 tokens
- Average email ≈ 100-200 tokens
- Short blog post ≈ 500-1,000 tokens
When to Use This Calculator
- Budget LLM spend before shipping a feature or deploying at scale.
- Compare providers on a cost-per-request basis instead of sticker price.
- Estimate inference cost for capacity planning and pricing.
Limitations & Common Mistakes
- Provider pricing changes frequently, check the provider's official pricing page for current rates.
- Token counts are estimated from text length; exact counts require the provider's tokenizer.
- Usage-based costs compound with retries, context caching, and multi-turn conversations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the pricing numbers come from?
Prices default to publicly posted rates from major providers. Rates change frequently, always check the provider's official pricing page for current figures.
How do I count tokens accurately?
For exact counts, use the provider's official tokenizer. For planning, roughly 1 token ≈ 4 characters or 0.75 English words.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. The LLM Token Counter is free, requires no signup, and runs entirely in your browser, your inputs are never sent to a server.
How often is this calculator updated?
Formulas are reviewed against authoritative sources, and any rate or price data is refreshed on an automated schedule. Check the "as of" date on any live data panel for the most recent refresh.
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