AI Tokens
Understand how AI tokens work, compare model pricing, and learn to optimize your token usage for maximum efficiency in Google Sheets.
What are AI Tokens?
Definition
A token is a unit of text processed by AI models. In English, one token is approximately 4 characters or about 0.75 words. Code typically uses ~3 characters per token.
Input + Output
Both your prompts (input) and AI responses (output) count toward token usage. Longer prompts and responses consume more tokens from your monthly allowance.
Pricing
Token costs vary by model. Premium models cost more per token but deliver better results for complex tasks. Choose the right model for each use case.
Tokens by Plan
Choose the plan that matches your AI usage needs
Free
Perfect for testing and light usage
Solo
Ideal for individual professionals
Team
Built for growing teams
Business
Enterprise-grade allowance
Token Usage by Function
Average token consumption for each SheetMagic AI function
| Function | Input Tokens | Output Tokens | Total (avg) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
AITEXT(Simple) | 100-300 | 50-200 | ~300 | Basic text generation, Q&A, simple tasks |
AITEXT(Complex) | 500-2,000 | 200-1,000 | ~1,500 | Multi-step reasoning with context or web search |
AILIST | 150-400 | 100-500 | ~500 | Generate vertical lists (items in cells below) |
AILISTH | 150-400 | 100-500 | ~500 | Generate horizontal lists (items in cells to the right) |
AITRANSLATE | 100-500 | 100-500 | ~500 | Translate text to any language |
GPTV | 500-2,000 | 100-500 | ~1,500 | Analyze images using AI vision |
AIIMAGE | 100-300 | 1,000-5,000 | ~3,000 | Generate images from text prompts |
AISPEECH | 50-500 | 500-2,000 | ~1,500 | Convert text to speech audio |
AIVIDEO | 100-300 | 5,000-20,000 | ~10,000 | Generate videos from text descriptions |
Model Comparison
Compare model capabilities and how they influence token consumption
| Model | Capabilities | Token Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
GPT-5.2 OpenAIpremium | VisionReasoningCode | High output for reasoning tasks | Most advanced tasks |
GPT-5.1 OpenAIpremium | VisionReasoningCode | High output for complex analysis | Complex reasoning |
GPT-5 OpenAIpremium | VisionCode | Moderate, efficient responses | Multimodal tasks |
GPT-4.1 OpenAIstandard | VisionCodeLong Context | Supports 1M context input | Large document analysis |
GPT-4o OpenAIstandard | VisionCode | Balanced input/output | General purpose |
GPT-4o Mini OpenAIeconomy | VisionCode | Low cost per token | High volume, cost-effective |
o4-mini OpenAIstandard | ReasoningCode | Very high output (thinking tokens) | Deep reasoning, math, logic |
Claude Opus 4.5 Anthropicpremium | VisionReasoningCode | Very high output for analysis | Most capable, complex tasks |
Claude Sonnet 4.5 Anthropicpremium | VisionReasoningCode | Moderate, efficient reasoning | Balanced performance |
Claude Haiku 4.5 Anthropicstandard | VisionCode | Low, concise responses | Fast, cost-effective |
Claude Sonnet 3.7 Anthropicstandard | VisionReasoningCode | Moderate output tokens | Analysis & writing |
Gemini 3.0 Pro Googlepremium | VisionReasoningLong Context | Supports 2M context input | Massive document analysis |
Gemini 3.0 Flash Googlestandard | VisionLong Context | Low cost, 1M context | Fast multimodal tasks |
Gemini 2.5 Pro Googlestandard | VisionReasoningCode | High output for reasoning | Advanced reasoning |
Gemini 2.5 Flash Googleeconomy | VisionCode | Lowest cost per token | High volume tasks |
Mistral Large Mistralpremium | VisionCode | Moderate output tokens | European AI, multilingual |
Mistral Small Mistraleconomy | Code | Low, efficient responses | Simple tasks, low cost |
Codestral Mistralstandard | CodeLong Context | High output for code gen | Code generation & review |
Token Estimation Quick Reference
Character to Token Conversion
English text: ~4 characters per token
Code: ~3 characters per token
Non-English: varies by language
Quick Estimates
- 1 paragraph (~500 chars)~125 tokens
- 1 page (~2,000 chars)~500 tokens
- 1 spreadsheet cell (avg)~20 tokens
- 1 short email~200 tokens
- 1 product description~150 tokens
Tips for Optimizing Token Usage
Use shorter, focused prompts
Remove unnecessary words and be direct. Instead of "Can you please help me summarize this text?", use "Summarize:"
Choose the right model for the task
Use GPT-4o Mini or Gemini 2.5 Flash for simple tasks, reserve GPT-5 or Claude Sonnet 4.5 for complex reasoning
Use BYOK for unlimited AI
All paid plans include BYOK—connect your own API keys to bypass token limits and pay providers directly
Batch similar operations
Process multiple items in a single AI call when possible instead of making separate calls
Token Calculator
See how many AI calls fit within each plan. Adjust the sliders to match your expected daily usage.
300 tokens each
1,500 tokens each
1 credit each
5 credits each
More sliders? We're on it.
New integrations are brewing. This calculator will get fancier—pinky promise.
Estimated time saved per month
Based on 30 sec saved per simple task (drafting, formatting) and 1.5 min per complex task (research, analysis). Time you could spend touching grass, petting dogs, or pretending to be in meetings.
// TODO: add more sliders here
Your Usage vs Plan Limits
15.0M
1K
Recommended Plan
Team
PopularIdeal for small teams
Cancel anytime • 16% off yearly
Looking for Web Scraping Credits?
Integration credits power VISIT, GETMETATITLE, PAGEDATA, and other web scraping functions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a token?
A token is a unit of text that AI models use for processing. In English, one token is roughly 4 characters or about 0.75 words. Both your input (prompts) and output (responses) count toward token usage.
Why does token count vary between models?
Different AI models use different tokenization methods. The same text may be split into slightly different numbers of tokens depending on the model. Our estimates use average values across supported models.
Which model should I use?
Use economy models (GPT-4o Mini, Gemini 2.5 Flash) for simple tasks like classification or short text generation. Use premium models (GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4.5) for complex reasoning, analysis, or creative writing.
Do cached responses use tokens?
Identical AI requests within a short time window may be served from cache, using no additional tokens. This helps reduce costs for repeated operations.
What is BYOK and how does it help?
BYOK (Bring Your Own Key) lets you connect your own API keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google. This bypasses SheetMagic token limits and you pay providers directly at their rates.
How can I track my token usage?
Visit the Overview section in your SheetMagic dashboard to see your current token usage, remaining balance, and detailed usage history for the billing period.
Ready to get started?
Explore our pricing plans to find the right token allowance for your needs. All paid plans include BYOK for unlimited AI usage with your own API keys.