Model Comparison
GPT-4o vs o4-mini
GPT-4o: Ultra-efficiento4-mini: Standard
Side-by-side environmental impact comparison. o4-mini uses 3.5x more energy per query.
o4-mini uses 3.5x more energy than GPT-4o
1.5 Wh vs 0.43 Wh per query · 0.65 g vs 0.19 g CO₂ · 5 mL vs 2 mL water
GPT-4o
OpenAI
Energy per query0.43 Wh
CO₂ per query0.19 g
Water per query2 mL
VS
o4-mini
OpenAI
Energy per query1.5 Wh
CO₂ per query0.65 g
Water per query5 mL
GPT-4o
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure US East / Sweden
Confidencepeer-reviewed
Efficiency TierUltra-efficient
o4-mini
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure US East / Sweden
Confidenceestimated
Efficiency TierStandard
Frequently Asked Questions
Which uses more energy, GPT-4o or o4-mini?
o4-mini uses 3.5x more energy per query than GPT-4o. GPT-4o uses 0.43 Wh per query, while o4-mini uses 1.5 Wh.
What is the carbon footprint difference between GPT-4o and o4-mini?
o4-mini uses 3.4x more CO₂ per query than GPT-4o. GPT-4o emits 0.19 g of CO₂ per query compared to o4-mini's 0.65 g.
Which is more environmentally friendly, GPT-4o or o4-mini?
GPT-4o is the more environmentally friendly option, using 0.43 Wh per query compared to o4-mini's 1.5 Wh. That makes o4-mini roughly 3.5x more energy-intensive.
Calculate your footprint with these models
See how your daily usage of GPT-4o and o4-mini adds up over time. Our calculator estimates energy, carbon, and water impact.
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