Model Comparison
GPT-4o vs GPT-5
GPT-4o: Ultra-efficientGPT-5: Very heavy
Side-by-side environmental impact comparison. GPT-5 uses 42.7x more energy per query.
GPT-5 uses 42.7x more energy than GPT-4o
18.4 Wh vs 0.43 Wh per query · 8.0 g vs 0.19 g CO₂ · 66 mL vs 2 mL water
GPT-4o
OpenAI
Energy per query0.43 Wh
CO₂ per query0.19 g
Water per query2 mL
VS
GPT-5
OpenAI
Energy per query18.4 Wh
CO₂ per query8.0 g
Water per query66 mL
GPT-4o
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure US East / Sweden
Confidencepeer-reviewed
Efficiency TierUltra-efficient
GPT-5
ProviderOpenAI
CategoryText / Chat
Inference LocationAzure / Multi-cloud
Confidencepeer-reviewed
Efficiency TierVery heavy
Frequently Asked Questions
Which uses more energy, GPT-4o or GPT-5?
GPT-5 uses 42.7x more energy per query than GPT-4o. GPT-4o uses 0.43 Wh per query, while GPT-5 uses 18.4 Wh.
What is the carbon footprint difference between GPT-4o and GPT-5?
GPT-5 uses 42.1x more CO₂ per query than GPT-4o. GPT-4o emits 0.19 g of CO₂ per query compared to GPT-5's 8.0 g.
Which is more environmentally friendly, GPT-4o or GPT-5?
GPT-4o is the more environmentally friendly option, using 0.43 Wh per query compared to GPT-5's 18.4 Wh. That makes GPT-5 roughly 42.7x more energy-intensive.
Calculate your footprint with these models
See how your daily usage of GPT-4o and GPT-5 adds up over time. Our calculator estimates energy, carbon, and water impact.
Calculate My Compute