Google Shifts Gemini Limits to Compute-Based Metering Across 4 Paid Tiers
Updated
Updated · WIRED · Jul 18
Google Shifts Gemini Limits to Compute-Based Metering Across 4 Paid Tiers
3 articles · Updated · WIRED · Jul 18
Summary
Google now meters Gemini usage by the computing power of each task, replacing request-count limits and making complex prompts consume credits faster than simpler ones.
Two factors now drive how quickly users hit caps: plan level and prompt complexity, with model choice and thinking mode also affecting usage because more capable options cost more compute.
Paid plans start at $8 a month for Plus, $20 for Pro, and $100 or $200 for Ultra; Plus gets 2x standard limits, Pro 4x, and Ultra 5x or 20x Pro's allowance.
Usage is tracked with a five-hour bar and a weekly bar in the Gemini app; users who exhaust paid limits are downgraded to the most basic model until the next reset.
Google still does not publish exact free-tier caps and says limits can change without notice for testing or capacity reasons, with free users likely affected first.