OpenAI API
The OpenAI API gives developers programmatic access to OpenAI’s GPT models and tools such as the Agents SDK for building assistants, agents and AI features.
About this tool
The OpenAI API is the developer platform behind many AI products. Instead of chatting in ChatGPT, developers send requests from their own software to OpenAI’s models and receive text, structured output or actions in return. The platform currently promotes a family of GPT-6 generation models, each with its own balance of capability, speed and token price, alongside real-time and specialised models.
OpenAI also provides tooling for building agents, including the Agents SDK, plus documentation and safety guidance. Typical uses include coding assistants, customer support automation, personalised recommendations, research tools, content generation and education products. For organisations, OpenAI highlights data privacy commitments, security compliance and dedicated support, with enterprise agreements negotiated separately from self-serve usage.
What you can do
Current GPT models
Choose among OpenAI’s latest models, which differ in reasoning depth, latency and price per token.
Agents SDK
A toolkit for building agents that call tools, follow multi-step instructions and coordinate work.
Usage-based billing
Pay per token consumed, so costs scale with traffic rather than with seats.
Enterprise controls
Organisations can arrange data privacy terms, compliance documentation and dedicated support.
Who is it for?
- A software company adds a support assistant that answers customers from its documentation.
- A developer builds a coding agent that edits files and runs tests through tool calls.
- An education startup generates practice questions tailored to each learner.
Before you choose
Model names, prices and limits change often; pin model versions in production and review the pricing page before scaling.
Review OpenAI’s data usage and retention terms for the API before sending personal or confidential data.
Frequently asked questions
Is the OpenAI API the same as ChatGPT?
No. ChatGPT is a consumer and business app, while the API lets developers call OpenAI models from their own software and pay per token.
How is the OpenAI API priced?
Usage is billed per token, and each model has its own input and output price. Check OpenAI’s pricing page for current rates.
Can I build agents with the OpenAI API?
Yes. OpenAI provides the Agents SDK and tool-calling features so applications can run multi-step tasks with its models.
Check the official website for current features, pricing, and terms.
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