> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.same.new/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tokens

> Track AI token usage in Same.new, monitor your limits, and see how tokens fuel every app you build. Stay in control and never miss a deploy.

## What are Tokens?

Same uses "tokens" as the primary unit to measure the resources consumed during your interactions. Think of tokens as pieces of words or code that Same processes.

* **Roughly:** 1 token is about 4 characters in English.
* **Example:** 1,500 words is approximately 2,048 tokens.

Every interaction, from understanding your prompts and context to generating code and using tools, consumes tokens.

<Info>
  Learn more about tokens from the [official OpenAI
  docs](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/4936856-what-are-tokens-and-how-to-count-them).
</Info>

## How Usage is Calculated

Your token usage is calculated based on the complexity and size of each request you make to Same. The key factors are:

1. **Input Tokens (Context):** This includes:

   * Your prompt text.
   * The content of any files, images, or chat summaries you provide as context using the `@ Add context` button.
   * The conversation history included in the request.
   * **Calculation:** **6%** of these input tokens are counted towards your usage for each request.

2. **Output Tokens (Response):** This includes:
   * The code, text, or reasoning generated by Same.
   * Tokens used by tools (e.g., file edits, terminal commands, web searches) and their results.
   * **Calculation:** **100%** of these output tokens are counted towards your usage.

**Total Usage per Request = (6% of Input Tokens) + (100% of Output Tokens)**

<Frame caption="View total model context through the chat input box.">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/same/6v_Kyyhq-0v66NVR/images/model-context.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=6v_Kyyhq-0v66NVR&q=85&s=95023b85cd521215f96884d7789e67e8" alt="Screenshot showing the chat input box with 'Model context'." width="1046" height="254" data-path="images/model-context.png" />
</Frame>

## Optimizing Token Usage

* **Start New Chats Frequently:** Treat each chat like a specific task or feature. This keeps the context window smaller and focused, leading to better performance and lower costs. A summary of previous work is automatically attached to new chats for continuity. See [Maximizing Performance](/performance/maximizing-performance).
* **Use `@ Add context`:** Instead of relying on long conversation history or Same's exploration, create new chats often and use the `@ Add context` button to provide specific files or chat summaries relevant to your current request. This is much more token-efficient.
* **Be Specific:** Clear, concise prompts require fewer tokens for Same to understand and generate relevant output.
* **Monitor Usage:** Keep an eye on your token consumption in your account settings.

## Monitoring Your Usage

You can monitor your token usage within Same. Your remaining token balance and usage history are available in your account settings.

<Frame caption="View your token usage in account settings">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/same/6v_Kyyhq-0v66NVR/images/view-usage.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=6v_Kyyhq-0v66NVR&q=85&s=99b3786eadfa4f1de24c8d29f61d9487" alt="Screenshot showing where to view token usage in account settings" width="476" height="350" data-path="images/view-usage.png" />
</Frame>

<Info>
  Understanding token usage helps you optimize your interactions with Same and
  manage your plan effectively. For details on pricing, see our [Pricing
  page](/usage/pricing).
</Info>