# Max Tokens

This refers to the maximum number of tokens (a unit of text like a word or part of a word) the model can process in a single interaction, including both input and output.

**Detailed Explanation:**

* **Tokens:** Each token is roughly equivalent to 4 characters in English. For example, "ChatGPT is great!" has 5 tokens.
* **Limitations:** If the input and output together exceed the token limit, the model either truncates the input or the output.
* **Practical Implications:** To use the model effectively, users need to condense inputs or request shorter outputs for longer conversations.

**Example:**\
For a model with a 4,096-token limit:

* Input: "Write a 2,000-word essay."
* Output: May stop midway if the token limit is reached.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://learn-with-nathan.gitbook.io/learnwithnathan/ai-concepts/max-tokens.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.