LightweightOpenAI

GPT-4.1 mini

GPT-4.1 mini is OpenAI's lightweight model with text and image capabilities, featuring a 1M token context window for cost-effective tasks.

Context 1.0M
Tier Lightweight
Knowledge Jun 2024
Tools Supported
Modalities text, image
Input from
$0.400 / 1M tokens
across 1 provider
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API Pricing

ProviderInput / 1MOutput / 1MSpeedTTFTUpdated
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OpenRouter
$0.400$1.60102 t/s629ms4/14/2026

Prices updated daily. Last check: 4/14/2026

Model Details

General

Creator
OpenAI
Family
GPT
Tier
Lightweight
Context Window
1.0M
Knowledge Cutoff
Jun 2024
Modalities
Text, Image

Capabilities

Tool Calling
Yes
Open Source
No
Subtypes
Chat Completion

Strengths & Limitations

  • 1 million token context window enables processing of very long documents
  • Supports both text and image inputs for multimodal applications
  • Tool calling functionality with structured output capabilities
  • Output speed of 79.9 tokens per second for responsive applications
  • Time to first token of 584ms for interactive use cases
  • Knowledge cutoff of June 2024 provides recent training data
  • Lightweight tier offers cost efficiency for high-volume deployments
  • Proprietary model with no access to weights or local deployment
  • Positioned as lightweight tier with less capability than flagship GPT models
  • No video input support despite multimodal capabilities
  • Limited to chat completion format rather than other interaction modes

Key Features

•1 million token context window
•Text and image input processing
•Tool calling with structured output
•Chat completion API interface
•Streaming response support
•Vision input for image analysis
•Function calling capabilities
•Batch processing support

About GPT-4.1 mini

GPT-4.1 mini is OpenAI's lightweight model in the GPT family, positioned as a cost-effective option for high-volume applications that require strong performance without the computational overhead of flagship models. The model supports both text and image inputs through chat completion interfaces, making it suitable for multimodal workflows. Technically, GPT-4.1 mini offers a substantial 1 million token context window, allowing it to process lengthy documents, codebases, or conversation histories in a single request. The model includes tool calling capabilities and maintains a knowledge cutoff of June 2024. Performance benchmarks show an output speed of 79.9 tokens per second with a time to first token of 584 milliseconds, indicating responsive generation suitable for interactive applications. GPT-4.1 mini serves applications where developers need reliable language model capabilities at scale, such as content moderation, classification tasks, summarization, and customer support automation. Its combination of multimodal input support and large context window distinguishes it from other lightweight models that typically offer more limited capabilities.

Common Use Cases

GPT-4.1 mini is well-suited for applications requiring reliable language understanding at scale, including content moderation, document summarization, customer support automation, and data classification tasks. Its large context window makes it particularly valuable for analyzing lengthy documents, processing extensive conversation histories, or working with large codebases. The multimodal capabilities enable use cases like image content analysis, visual question answering, and document processing that combines text and visual elements. As a lightweight model, it serves high-volume production environments where cost efficiency is important while maintaining strong performance for routine language tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does GPT-4.1 mini cost per million tokens?

GPT-4.1 mini pricing varies by provider and usage type (standard vs batch processing). Check the pricing table above for current rates across all supported providers.

What is GPT-4.1 mini best used for?

GPT-4.1 mini excels at high-volume applications like content moderation, document summarization, classification tasks, and customer support automation. Its 1M token context window makes it particularly effective for processing lengthy documents or maintaining extended conversation histories, while its multimodal capabilities support image analysis workflows.

How does GPT-4.1 mini compare to other lightweight models?

GPT-4.1 mini distinguishes itself with a 1 million token context window, which is significantly larger than most lightweight models. It also offers multimodal support for both text and image inputs, tool calling capabilities, and competitive performance with 79.9 tokens per second output speed, making it more capable than typical cost-optimized models.