Put this in your prompt
- Ask for one thing at a time.
- Say exactly what output you want.
- Ask for a short answer.
- Set a limit like “3 bullets” or “under 100 words.”
- Only ask for current info if you actually need it.
The easiest way to reduce cost is to keep your prompt short, specific, and narrow. Broad prompts usually produce longer answers and are more likely to trigger extra searching or unnecessary detail.
Say exactly what you need instead of asking a broad question.
Use wording like “1 sentence,” “3 bullets,” “brief answer,” or “just the result.”
Do not combine summarizing, comparing, researching, and explaining in one prompt unless necessary.
If you do not need current information, do not ask for the latest news, updates, or verification.
Prompts that ask for everything usually cost more than prompts that ask for the top result or a short answer.
These examples show how wording changes cost:
Lower-cost prompt: "Summarize this in 3 bullets." Higher-cost prompt: "Research this topic, find multiple sources, compare them, and give me a detailed explanation with citations."
"Answer in 1 sentence." "Give me 3 bullets only." "Summarize this briefly." "Return only the final answer." "Keep it under 75 words." "Explain this simply in 2 bullets." "Use no web search unless current information is required."
"Give me a deep dive." "Research everything about this." "Compare all options in detail." "Find the latest information and all relevant sources." "Give me a comprehensive answer with full citations and examples."
To reduce cost, make your prompt: short, specific, narrow, and brief-output oriented.
A good default is: ask for one task, one format, and a short answer.