Cache Read iTokens served from cache โ previously processed context reused at $1.50/M instead of $15/M (Opus). The bigger this is relative to Direct Input, the better.
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Cache Creation iTokens written to cache for future reuse. Costs $3.75/M (Opus) โ a one-time investment that pays off when the same context is read back in subsequent turns.
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Direct Input iFresh input tokens โ not cached, processed at full price ($15/M Opus). Includes new messages and any context that couldn't be cached.
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Direct Output iOutput tokens โ Claude's responses. Always billed at full output rate ($75/M Opus). Cannot be cached.
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