Claude cache economics
Claude Code Prompt Cache Cost
Claude Code workflows can reuse repository instructions, coding standards, and long context across turns. Prompt caching can reduce repeated input cost, but cache writes also have a price.
Model the tradeoff
- Cache write tokens: the context you pay to store.
- Cached input tokens: repeated context billed at the cached rate.
- Output tokens: patches, explanations, and test plans.
- Task frequency: repeated workflows benefit more from cache assumptions.
Use the Prompt Caching Calculator or the main calculator to compare cached and uncached estimates.