Model Comparison
GPT-4o vs GPT-5.5
GPT-4o: Ultra-efficientGPT-5.5: Heavy
Side-by-side environmental impact comparison. GPT-5.5 uses 14.0x more energy per query.
GPT-5.5 uses 14.0x more energy than GPT-4o
6.0 Wh vs 0.43 Wh per query · 2.6 g vs 0.19 g CO₂ · 22 mL vs 2 mL water
GPT-4o
OpenAI
Energy per query0.43 Wh
CO₂ per query0.19 g
Water per query2 mL
VS
GPT-5.5
OpenAI
Energy per query6.0 Wh
CO₂ per query2.6 g
Water per query22 mL
GPT-4o
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure US East / Sweden
Confidencepeer-reviewed
Efficiency TierUltra-efficient
GPT-5.5
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure / Multi-cloud
Confidenceestimated
Efficiency TierHeavy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which uses more energy, GPT-4o or GPT-5.5?
GPT-5.5 uses 14.0x more energy per query than GPT-4o. GPT-4o uses 0.43 Wh per query, while GPT-5.5 uses 6.0 Wh.
What is the carbon footprint difference between GPT-4o and GPT-5.5?
GPT-5.5 uses 13.8x more CO₂ per query than GPT-4o. GPT-4o emits 0.19 g of CO₂ per query compared to GPT-5.5's 2.6 g.
Which is more environmentally friendly, GPT-4o or GPT-5.5?
GPT-4o is the more environmentally friendly option, using 0.43 Wh per query compared to GPT-5.5's 6.0 Wh. That makes GPT-5.5 roughly 14.0x more energy-intensive.
Calculate your footprint with these models
See how your daily usage of GPT-4o and GPT-5.5 adds up over time. Our calculator estimates energy, carbon, and water impact.
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