text-embedding-3-small · OpenAI
Highly efficient embedding model for vector search and RAG retrieval at $0.02 per 1M tokens.
Last checked Aug 19, 2026. Calculations use the listed base rates; provider-specific tiers, cache writes, batch pricing, and long-context rules may differ. Confirm the current rate at the official provider source.
Input
$0.02
per 1M tokens
Output
$0.00
per 1M tokens
Cached input
—
not published
Context window
8.2K
max output 0
Text Embedding 3 (Small) cost calculator
What Text Embedding 3 (Small) costs per task
| Use case | Input tokens | Output tokens | Cost / request | Monthly @ 1K req/day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer support chatbot | 3,500 | 350 | $0.000070 | $2.10 |
| RAG / search-augmented answers | 8,000 | 500 | $0.00016 | $4.80 |
| AI coding assistant | 12,000 | 2,000 | $0.00024 | $7.20 |
| Document summarization | 25,000 | 600 | $0.0005 | $15.00 |
| Agentic workflow | 40,000 | 1,500 | $0.0008 | $24.00 |
| Content generation | 800 | 1,200 | $0.000016 | $0.48 |
| Data extraction & tagging | 2,000 | 250 | $0.000040 | $1.20 |
| Translation | 5,000 | 5,500 | $0.0001 | $3.00 |
Assumes each use case's typical cacheable share of input. See full cost scenarios.
Compare with alternatives
| Model | Input /M | Output /M | Context | Chat request* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Text Embedding 3 (Small) | $0.02 | $0.00 | 8.2K | $0.000080 |
| GPT-5.6 Sol | $5.00 | $30.00 | 1.1M | $0.035 |
| GPT-5.6 Terra | $2.00 | $12.00 | 1.1M | $0.014 |
| GPT-5.6 Luna | $0.20 | $1.20 | 1.1M | $0.0014 |
| GPT-5.6 Cyber | $12.50 | $75.00 | 1.1M | $0.0875 |
| GPT-5.5 Standard | $5.00 | $30.00 | 512K | $0.035 |
| GPT-5.5 Pro | $30.00 | $180.00 | 512K | $0.21 |
| GPT-5.4 Workhorse | $2.50 | $15.00 | 256K | $0.0175 |
| GPT-5.4 mini | $0.75 | $4.50 | 256K | $0.00525 |
*4,000 in + 800 out tokens, 50% cached input where available.
Related calculations
FAQ
Text Embedding 3 (Small) costs $0.02 per 1M input tokens and $0.00 per 1M output tokens. Verified Aug 19, 2026 against https://openai.com/api/pricing.
Text Embedding 3 (Small) supports a 8,191-token context window with up to 0 output tokens per request, tokenized with cl100k_base.
At $0.02/M input and $0.00/M output, Text Embedding 3 (Small) sits below GPT-5.6 Sol ($5.00/M in, $30.00/M out) — see the comparison table for full-workload differences.