Model Comparison
GPT-4o vs GPT-OSS 20B
GPT-4o: Ultra-efficientGPT-OSS 20B: Ultra-efficient
Side-by-side environmental impact comparison. GPT-4o uses 23% more energy per query.
GPT-4o uses 23% more energy than GPT-OSS 20B
0.43 Wh vs 0.35 Wh per query · 0.19 g vs 0.15 g CO₂ · 2 mL vs 1 mL water
GPT-4o
OpenAI
Energy per query0.43 Wh
CO₂ per query0.19 g
Water per query2 mL
VS
GPT-OSS 20B
OpenAI
Energy per query0.35 Wh
CO₂ per query0.15 g
Water per query1 mL
GPT-4o
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure US East / Sweden
Confidencepeer-reviewed
Efficiency TierUltra-efficient
GPT-OSS 20B
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationSelf-hosted / Edge (16GB)
Confidenceestimated
Efficiency TierUltra-efficient
Frequently Asked Questions
Which uses more energy, GPT-4o or GPT-OSS 20B?
GPT-4o uses 23% more energy per query than GPT-OSS 20B. GPT-4o uses 0.43 Wh per query, while GPT-OSS 20B uses 0.35 Wh.
What is the carbon footprint difference between GPT-4o and GPT-OSS 20B?
GPT-4o uses 27% more CO₂ per query than GPT-OSS 20B. GPT-4o emits 0.19 g of CO₂ per query compared to GPT-OSS 20B's 0.15 g.
Which is more environmentally friendly, GPT-4o or GPT-OSS 20B?
GPT-OSS 20B is the more environmentally friendly option, using 0.35 Wh per query compared to GPT-4o's 0.43 Wh. That makes GPT-4o roughly 1.2x more energy-intensive.
Calculate your footprint with these models
See how your daily usage of GPT-4o and GPT-OSS 20B adds up over time. Our calculator estimates energy, carbon, and water impact.
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