Claude API Pricing Guide: Complete Breakdown for 2026
A comprehensive guide to Claude API pricing across all models including Claude Opus 4.6, Sonnet 4, and Haiku. Learn about token costs, batch pricing, and how to optimize spending.
Claude API pricing ranges from $0.25/M input tokens (Haiku) to $15/M input tokens (Opus 4.6). Batch API offers 50% savings. Use the pricing calculator at beclaude.com/tools/pricing-calculator to estimate your costs.
Claude API Pricing Overview
Anthropic offers a range of Claude models at different price points, optimized for different use cases. Here's the complete breakdown for 2026.
Per-Token Pricing
| Model | Input (per 1M tokens) | Output (per 1M tokens) |
|---|---|---|
| Claude Opus 4.6 | $15.00 | $75.00 |
| Claude Opus 4 | $15.00 | $75.00 |
| Claude Sonnet 4 | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Claude 3.5 Sonnet | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Claude 3.5 Haiku | $0.80 | $4.00 |
| Claude 3 Haiku | $0.25 | $1.25 |
Batch API Discounts
The Batch API provides 50% cost savings for non-time-sensitive workloads:
- Process large datasets overnight
- Generate content in bulk
- Run evaluations and benchmarks
Prompt Caching
Prompt caching reduces costs by up to 90% for repeated content:
- Cache writes: 25% more than base input price
- Cache reads: 90% less than base input price
- Ideal for system prompts, few-shot examples, and repeated context
Free Tier
Anthropic offers a free tier through claude.ai with rate limits, and API users get $5 in free credits when signing up.
Cost Optimization Tips
- Choose the right model: Use Haiku for simple tasks, Sonnet 4 for general work, Opus 4.6 only when you need maximum capability
- Use Batch API: 50% savings for non-urgent requests
- Minimize context: Only include relevant context in your prompts
- Cache prompts: Use prompt caching to save up to 90% on repeated inputs
- Monitor usage: Set up billing alerts in the Anthropic console
- Use Sonnet 4 as default: It handles 90% of tasks at 1/5 the cost of Opus
Enterprise Pricing
For high-volume usage, Anthropic offers custom enterprise pricing. Contact their sales team for volume discounts and committed use pricing.