Models
# Work Users
# Intro to ChatGPT
Learn about the different models that power ChatGPT, and which one is best for your task
July 23, 2025 · Last updated on August 7, 2025Models
Please note that on August 7, 2025 (August 14th, 2025 for Enterprise customers), GPT-5 will be the default experience for all users. We will be modifying content in the OpenAI Academy to reflect this change as it rolls out. See more about GPT-5 here.
Models are the AI systems that power ChatGPT. They’ve been trained on a large amount of text and code to understand language, follow instructions, and respond helpfully. Training involves showing the model lots of examples so it can learn patterns, reasoning, and how to communicate clearly. This training process is what allows ChatGPT to sound like you are speaking with a human.
There are two main types of models in ChatGPT: GPT models and reasoning models. GPT models (like GPT-4o and GPT‑4.1) are designed for writing, summarizing, coding, and creative tasks. Reasoning models (like OpenAI o3 or o3-pro) are designed for deeper thinking, multi-step analysis, and high-accuracy tasks. Each model has different strengths. You will need to choose the model based on what you’re doing and the one that best fits your task, using the model picker.
When to use each model
Match the model to the task
- Everyday writing, summarizing, quick answers → GPT‑4o or GPT‑4.1 mini
- Precise code or strict instructions → GPT‑4.1
- Deep, multi‑step analysis or strategy → o3 or o1‑pro
Model cheat sheet
Model | Best for | Example prompts |
GPT‑4o | Everyday tasks: brainstorming, summarizing, emails, creative content, fully multimodal | • Summarize meeting notes into key action items. • Draft a follow‑up email after a project kickoff. • Proofread my report. • Brainstorm a launch plan; you can upload sketches or screenshots. |
GPT‑4.1 | Precise coding and instruction following: web development, debugging, robust code generation | • Debug this Python script, find the error, and suggest a fix. • Compare the Q2 and Q3 revenue reports and highlight the top three drivers of growth with supporting metrics. • Explain what this complex code snippet does and suggest improvements for clarity. |
GPT‑4.1 mini | Faster everyday technical tasks: low‑latency answers with upgraded coding intelligence | • Extract all expense entries over 1 000 dollars from this table and list them with justification summaries. • Add inline comments to explain each step of this Python script. • Summarize the main performance bottleneck in this Go routine and suggest one fix. |
GPT‑4.5 | Creative work: emotional intelligence, clear communication, collaborative brainstorming | • Create an engaging LinkedIn post about AI trends. • Write a product description for a new feature launch. • Develop a customer apology letter in an empathetic tone. |
o4‑mini | Fast STEM and programming queries: quick code help, visual reasoning, CSV tasks | • Extract key data points from a CSV file. • Provide a quick summary of a scientific article. • Quick‑fix this Python traceback for me. |
o4‑mini‑high | Detailed technical answers: advanced coding, math, scientific explanations with higher accuracy | • Solve a complex math equation and explain the steps. • Draft SQL queries for data extraction. • Explain a scientific concept in simple terms. |
o3 | Complex or multi‑step tasks: strategic planning, detailed analyses, advanced math and coding | • Develop a risk analysis for market expansion • Draft a business strategy outline based on competitive data. • Run a multi‑step analysis on this CSV and forecast next quarter, then plot the trend. |
o1‑pro | High‑accuracy reasoning: long‑form analysis, formal memos, deep research when time allows | • Draft a detailed risk analysis memo analyzing EU data privacy requirements for a rollout. • Generate a multi‑page research summary on emerging technologies. • Create an algorithm for financial forecasting using theoretical models. |
Model usage limits, tools, and inputs
Model | Limit | Available tools | Accepted inputs |
GPT‑4o | Unlimited | GPTs, data analysis, search, image gen, canvas, advanced voice | Docs, images, CSVs, audio |
GPT‑4.1 | 500 requests per 3 h | Data analysis, search, image gen, canvas, deep research | Docs, images, CSVs |
GPT‑4.1 mini | Unlimited | Same as GPT‑4.1 | Docs, images, CSVs |
GPT‑4.5 | 20 requests per week | Data analysis, search, image gen, canvas, voice, deep research | Docs, images, CSVs, audio |
o4‑mini | 300 requests per day | Data analysis, search, image gen, canvas, deep research | Docs, images, CSVs |
o4‑mini‑high | 100 requests per day | Data analysis, search, image gen, canvas | Docs, images, CSVs |
o3 | 100 requests per week | Data analysis, search, image gen, canvas, deep research | Docs, images, CSVs |
o1‑pro | 5 requests per month | Search, images | Images |
The evolution of ChatGPT
As AI technology advances, ChatGPT is becoming increasingly intuitive and capable of understanding your needs with less precise prompting. While crafting specific and detailed instructions can enhance your interactions, the growing power of ChatGPT means you can achieve great results even with natural, conversational prompts.
What this means
- Simpler interactions You won’t always need to modify your prompts. Ask your questions in a way that feels natural to you.
- Enhanced understanding With each update, ChatGPT becomes better at grasping context and intent, making your conversations smoother and more effective.
Focus on goals. Instead of worrying about the exact wording, concentrate on what you want to achieve and let ChatGPT handle the rest.
Table Of Contents