Model Comparison
Claude Sonnet 4 vs GPT-5
Claude Sonnet 4: StandardGPT-5: Very heavy
Side-by-side environmental impact comparison. GPT-5 uses 7.3x more energy per query.
GPT-5 uses 7.3x more energy than Claude Sonnet 4
18.4 Wh vs 2.5 Wh per query · 8.0 g vs 0.88 g CO₂ · 66 mL vs 5 mL water
Claude Sonnet 4
Anthropic
Energy per query2.5 Wh
CO₂ per query0.88 g
Water per query5 mL
VS
GPT-5
OpenAI
Energy per query18.4 Wh
CO₂ per query8.0 g
Water per query66 mL
Claude Sonnet 4
ProviderAnthropic
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAWS US East (Virginia) / US West (Oregon)
Confidenceestimated
Efficiency TierStandard
GPT-5
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure / Multi-cloud
Confidencepeer-reviewed
Efficiency TierVery heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which uses more energy, Claude Sonnet 4 or GPT-5?
GPT-5 uses 7.3x more energy per query than Claude Sonnet 4. Claude Sonnet 4 uses 2.5 Wh per query, while GPT-5 uses 18.4 Wh.
What is the carbon footprint difference between Claude Sonnet 4 and GPT-5?
GPT-5 uses 9.1x more CO₂ per query than Claude Sonnet 4. Claude Sonnet 4 emits 0.88 g of CO₂ per query compared to GPT-5's 8.0 g.
Which is more environmentally friendly, Claude Sonnet 4 or GPT-5?
Claude Sonnet 4 is the more environmentally friendly option, using 2.5 Wh per query compared to GPT-5's 18.4 Wh. That makes GPT-5 roughly 7.3x more energy-intensive.
Calculate your footprint with these models
See how your daily usage of Claude Sonnet 4 and GPT-5 adds up over time. Our calculator estimates energy, carbon, and water impact.
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