Model Comparison
GitHub Copilot vs Cursor
GitHub Copilot: StandardCursor: Standard
Side-by-side environmental impact comparison. GitHub Copilot uses 25% more energy per query.
GitHub Copilot uses 25% more energy than Cursor
1.5 Wh vs 1.2 Wh per query · 0.66 g vs 0.50 g CO₂ · 5 mL vs 5 mL water
GitHub Copilot
GitHub / OpenAI
Energy per query1.5 Wh
CO₂ per query0.66 g
Water per query5 mL
VS
Cursor
Anysphere
Energy per query1.2 Wh
CO₂ per query0.50 g
Water per query5 mL
GitHub Copilot
ProviderGitHub / OpenAI
CategoryCode Assistant
Inference LocationAzure US (primarily East)
Confidenceestimated
Efficiency TierStandard
Cursor
ProviderAnysphere
CategoryCode Assistant
Inference LocationMulti-cloud (Azure, AWS)
Confidenceestimated
Efficiency TierStandard
Frequently Asked Questions
Which uses more energy, GitHub Copilot or Cursor?
GitHub Copilot uses 25% more energy per query than Cursor. GitHub Copilot uses 1.5 Wh per query, while Cursor uses 1.2 Wh.
What is the carbon footprint difference between GitHub Copilot and Cursor?
GitHub Copilot uses 32% more CO₂ per query than Cursor. GitHub Copilot emits 0.66 g of CO₂ per query compared to Cursor's 0.50 g.
Which is more environmentally friendly, GitHub Copilot or Cursor?
Cursor is the more environmentally friendly option, using 1.2 Wh per query compared to GitHub Copilot's 1.5 Wh. That makes GitHub Copilot roughly 1.3x more energy-intensive.
Calculate your footprint with these models
See how your daily usage of GitHub Copilot and Cursor adds up over time. Our calculator estimates energy, carbon, and water impact.
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