AI & Technology

What Is a Context Window in AI?

A context window is the maximum amount of text, measured in tokens, that an AI language model can consider at one time. It includes the prompt, any documents or conversation history provided, and the model’s own response. Content beyond the window cannot be taken into account.

Why It Matters

A larger context window lets a model work with longer documents or conversations in a single request. When a conversation grows beyond the window, earlier parts may be dropped or summarized.

Estimating Length

Since one token is roughly three-quarters of an English word, a word count gives a quick estimate of how much of a context window a text will use.

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Last updated: September 29, 2026. This definition is for general educational purposes only. It is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or medical advice, and it does not recommend any product or course of action. For decisions about your own situation, consult a qualified professional.