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Vinish Kapoor
Vinish Kapoor

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How Much Does GPT-4o Cost Per Month?

Understanding the cost of using GPT-4o is essential for businesses and developers looking to integrate advanced AI capabilities into their applications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of GPT-4o's pricing structure, helping you estimate your monthly expenses accurately.

Understanding GPT-4o Pricing Structure

GPT-4o's pricing is based on the number of tokens processed, categorized into input tokens and output tokens. Additionally, there are specific rates for cached input tokens and audio processing.

Input Tokens

Input tokens are the pieces of text or audio you send to the model for processing. The cost varies depending on whether you're using standard or cached input tokens.

Output Tokens

Output tokens are the responses generated by GPT-4o. Pricing differs based on the volume and type of output generated.

Cached Input Tokens

Cached input tokens are cheaper as they refer to previously processed inputs, reducing the computational load.

Audio Input and Output

For applications involving audio, GPT-4o offers specialized pricing for both input and output tokens in audio format.

GPT-4o Models and Their Pricing

GPT-4o offers several models, each with specific pricing. Here's a breakdown:

Standard Models

Model Input Tokens (Text) Cached Input Tokens (Text) Output Tokens (Text) Output Tokens (Audio)
gpt-4o $2.50 / 1M tokens $1.25 / 1M tokens $10.00 / 1M tokens -
gpt-4o-2024-11-20 $2.50 / 1M tokens $1.25 / 1M tokens $10.00 / 1M tokens -
gpt-4o-2024-08-06 $2.50 / 1M tokens $1.25 / 1M tokens $10.00 / 1M tokens -
gpt-4o-2024-05-13 $5.00 / 1M tokens $2.50 / 1M tokens $15.00 / 1M tokens $7.50 / 1M tokens

Audio Preview Models

Model Input Tokens (Text) Output Tokens (Text) Input Tokens (Audio) Output Tokens (Audio)
gpt-4o-audio-preview $2.50 / 1M tokens $10.00 / 1M tokens $100.00 / 1M tokens $200.00 / 1M tokens
gpt-4o-audio-preview-2024-12-17 $2.50 / 1M tokens $10.00 / 1M tokens $40.00 / 1M tokens $80.00 / 1M tokens
gpt-4o-audio-preview-2024-10-01 $2.50 / 1M tokens $10.00 / 1M tokens $100.00 / 1M tokens $200.00 / 1M tokens

Batch API Pricing

For high-volume users, GPT-4o offers Batch API pricing, which can significantly reduce costs:

  • Standard Models:

    • Input Tokens: $1.25 / 1M tokens
    • Cached Input Tokens: $1.25 / 1M tokens
    • Output Tokens: $5.00 / 1M tokens
  • Audio Preview Models:

    • Input Tokens (Audio): Prices vary by model version.
    • Output Tokens (Audio): Prices vary by model version.

Batch API is ideal for applications requiring large-scale processing, offering cost-effective rates compared to standard pricing.

Example Cost Calculations

To better understand potential monthly costs, consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: Text-Based Application

  • Monthly Input Tokens: 5M
  • Monthly Output Tokens: 10M

Cost Calculation:

  • Input: 5M * $2.50 / 1M = $12.50
  • Output: 10M * $10.00 / 1M = $100.00
  • Total: $112.50

Scenario 2: Audio-Based Application with Batch API

  • Monthly Input Tokens (Audio): 2M
  • Monthly Output Tokens (Audio): 4M

Using gpt-4o-audio-preview-2024-12-17:

  • Input: 2M * $40.00 / 1M = $80.00
  • Output: 4M * $80.00 / 1M = $320.00
  • Total: $400.00

Scenario 3: Mixed Use with Cached Inputs

  • Monthly Input Tokens: 10M (5M cached)
  • Monthly Output Tokens: 15M

Cost Calculation:

  • Standard Input: 5M * $2.50 / 1M = $12.50
  • Cached Input: 5M * $1.25 / 1M = $6.25
  • Output: 15M * $10.00 / 1M = $150.00
  • Total: $168.75

Introducing the OpenAI Pricing Calculator

To accurately estimate your monthly GPT-4o expenses, consider using the OpenAI Pricing Calculator. This intuitive tool allows you to input your expected API requests, average tokens per request, and select the specific AI model you plan to use. By providing a detailed cost breakdown and visual insights, the calculator helps you make informed decisions and optimize your AI project budget efficiently.

Factors Affecting Your Monthly Cost

Several factors can influence your GPT-4o monthly expenses:

  • Volume of Tokens: Higher usage leads to increased costs.
  • Type of Tokens: Audio tokens are significantly more expensive than text tokens.
  • Caching: Utilizing cached inputs can reduce costs.
  • Model Version: Newer or specialized models may have different pricing.
  • Batch API Usage: High-volume applications benefit from reduced rates.

Choosing the Right GPT-4o Plan

Selecting the appropriate GPT-4o plan depends on your specific needs:

  1. Assess Your Usage: Estimate the number of input and output tokens.
  2. Consider Token Types: Determine if you're using text, audio, or both.
  3. Evaluate Caching Needs: Implement caching to lower costs.
  4. Explore Batch API: If you're processing large volumes, Batch API offers better rates.
  5. Select the Right Model: Choose a model version that aligns with your requirements and budget.

Conclusion

GPT-4o offers a flexible pricing structure tailored to various use cases, from text-based applications to complex audio processing. By understanding the different models and pricing options, you can efficiently manage your monthly costs while leveraging the power of advanced AI.

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