How to Count Tokens for GPT-4 and Claude with DevToolVault

As an AI engineer or developer working with Large Language Models (LLMs), understanding token usage is fundamental. Whether you're managing context windows or estimating API costs, accurate token counting is the first step. In this guide, we'll show you how to use the DevToolVault AI Token Counter to get precise counts for OpenAI's GPT-4 and Anthropic's Claude models.

Why Token Counting Matters

LLMs don't process text as words; they process "tokens." A token can be a word, part of a word, or even a space. For example, the word "tokenization" might be split into "token" and "ization." This discrepancy between word count and token count can lead to:

Context Window Overflows: Sending more text than the model can handle.
Unexpected Costs: API billing is based on tokens, not words.
Truncated Outputs: Important information getting cut off.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access the Tool

Navigate to the AI Token Counter on DevToolVault. Our tool runs entirely in your browser, ensuring your sensitive prompts never leave your device.

2. Select Your Model

Different models use different tokenizers. Our tool supports:

GPT-4 / GPT-3.5: Uses the cl100k_base encoding.
Claude 3 / 3.5: Uses Anthropic's specific tokenization rules.

Select the model you are working with from the dropdown menu to ensure accuracy.

3. Paste Your Text

Copy your prompt or document and paste it into the input area. The tool will instantly calculate the token count as you type.

4. Analyze the Results

You'll see:

Total Token Count: The number that matters for API limits and billing.
Character Count: For reference.
Word Count: To compare with traditional metrics.

Best Practices

Always check your token counts before sending a request to the API. This simple habit can save you from hitting rate limits and reduce your monthly API bill significantly.

Start using the AI Token Counter today and take control of your LLM workflows.