Context window growth, 2023 to 2026
How context windows have grown across the release years represented in the index.
What the data shows
The maximum context window rises across release generations, while the median tells a slower story. Most models still sit well below the largest advertised window.
The gap between maximum and median matters for planning: the headline number is a capability ceiling, not the typical deployment profile.
How to read the trend
- Check the release year of the specific model.
- Do not assume a larger window is cheaper per token.
- Test long-context retrieval quality.
- Watch output limits, which grow more slowly.
Context window growth by release year
| Year | Models | Max context | Median context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 85 | 65,536 | 8,192 |
| 2024 | 172 | 200,000 | 32,768 |
| 2025 | 208 | 1,000,000 | 32,768 |
| 2026 | 135 | 2,000,000 | 200,000 |
Methodology
This story uses the AI & LLM Index dataset: 600 models, 40 providers and 12 benchmarks. Prices are listed per million tokens. Scores are modelled estimates on a 0–100 scale and are not official benchmark results. Figures are rounded for readability.
Related
FAQ
What does the Context window growth, 2023 to 2026 data show?
How context windows have grown across the release years represented in the index.
Are the numbers official?
No. Prices and scores are compiled for this demo index. Benchmark values are modelled estimates, not official results. Verify figures with the provider or benchmark owner before making decisions.
How should I use this ranking?
Use it to form a shortlist. Check the specific model pages, compare price and context, and test the shortlist on your own examples before committing.