What is Token Counting?
The process of measuring how many tokens a text string will consume when sent to an LLM.
Token counting is the process of calculating how many tokens a given text will use when processed by a specific LLM. Token counts are not equivalent to word counts — a token is roughly 4 characters in English, but varies by language and model.
Accurate token counting is essential for cost estimation, context window management, and budget enforcement. Each model uses its own tokenizer (GPT models use tiktoken, Claude uses a different scheme), so counts can differ for the same text.
GateCtr counts tokens before and after compression, reporting both the original count and the compressed count in every API response. This gives you precise visibility into savings per request.
GateCtr addresses token counting automatically on every API call — no configuration required. The results are visible in real-time in the GateCtr dashboard, with per-request breakdowns of tokens, cost, and savings.