OpenAI · 2026-10-31 · major
ChatGPT and Codex share one usage limit — token-based pool from December
In short
OpenAI says Plus, Pro and Business plans will share one usage allowance across ChatGPT and Codex from December. Usage is counted in tokens, Instant chat does not count, and Settings > Usage shows what is left.
OpenAI · 2026-10-31 · 3 sources checked
From December, one token budget covers ChatGPT Work and Codex on Plus, Pro and Business plans.
Quick facts
| Maker | OpenAI |
|---|---|
| Plans | Plus, Pro, Business |
| Starts | December 2026 (no exact day given) |
| Measured in | Tokens, across ChatGPT and Codex |
| Not counted | Instant chat |
| Where to check | Settings > Usage |
What is it?
OpenAI's help article on ChatGPT and Codex usage limits says paid plans will move to one shared allowance in December. The change lands when the agentic features of ChatGPT Work move into the main ChatGPT experience.
How does it work?
The shared pool is metered in tokens, the units of text a model reads and writes, so a bigger model or a harder task uses more of it. Quick Instant chat sits outside the pool, while agentic work in either product draws from it. One Usage screen in Settings shows the combined balance and reset times.
Why does it matter?
Developers who split their day between ChatGPT and the Codex coding agent will now spend from one budget instead of two. Heavy Codex users should watch their combined usage, since OpenAI has not yet published per-plan token amounts.
Who is it for?
ChatGPT Plus, Pro and Business subscribers who use Codex
Frequently asked questions
- Does normal ChatGPT chat use up my Codex allowance?
- OpenAI's help article says Instant chat will not draw from the shared ChatGPT and Codex usage allowance. Work tasks, Codex and other agentic features draw from the same token-based pool, so a long Codex session and heavy ChatGPT Work use come out of one budget on Plus, Pro and Business plans.
- How many tokens does each ChatGPT plan get under the shared limit?
- OpenAI's help article on ChatGPT and Codex usage limits does not publish token amounts for Plus, Pro or Business. It says consumption depends on the model and the task, with more advanced models and complex tasks using more. Coverage also notes that the exact December start day is not given yet.
- What happens when I reach the shared ChatGPT and Codex limit?
- Once the shared ChatGPT and Codex allowance runs out, OpenAI lists three options: wait for the limit to reset, upgrade to a higher plan, or buy credits to keep using eligible features. Combined remaining usage and the reset times are shown in ChatGPT under Settings > Usage.
- Will I hit ChatGPT or Codex limits more often after the change?
- OpenAI says it expects most users will not need to wait for resets more often than they do today, and that it is planning the transition to avoid disruption. The change arrives in December, when the agentic features of ChatGPT Work move into the main ChatGPT experience.