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[BUG] Since mid-November, claude code is consuming ~5x tokens #13552
Description
Preflight Checklist
- I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
- This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
- I am using the latest version of Claude Code
What's Wrong?
I use Claude Code PRO across various projects and noticed very high usage comparing to previous months. Either it is using way more tokens, or Anthropic has changed token counting rules w/o telling anyone. In both cases users are paying the price.
What Should Happen?
Token usage and work time should stay relatively the same under similar circumstances.
Error Messages/Logs
Steps to Reproduce
- Start working with Claude Code on any task
- You'll hit usage limit 5x faster than in October.
Claude Model
Sonnet (default)
Is this a regression?
Yes, this worked in a previous version
Last Working Version
No response
Claude Code Version
2.0.64
Platform
Anthropic API
Operating System
macOS
Terminal/Shell
Terminal.app (macOS)
Additional Information
No response
Reacted by Rashad Aliyev, Maciej Wojtasik, sashka304, k-takiuchi, Illia Vernygora and Amanda Jones
Activity
github-actions commentedon Dec 10, 2025
Found 3 possible duplicate issues:
This issue will be automatically closed as a duplicate in 3 days.
🤖 Generated with Claude Code
yambu commentedon Dec 10, 2025
Same here
kglowacki commentedon Dec 10, 2025
btw, just starting Claude, w/o giving it any commands, can consume up to 4% of allowed session limit xD... sorry boys, this is simply against terms of service. Starting a tool is not counted as 'usage'.
rbarcante commentedon Dec 10, 2025
Same thing here @kglowacki
MacieGx commentedon Dec 10, 2025
Same here, I've been seeing the same spike in token usage since mid-November. I'm on Claude Code 2.0.55, so it doesn't seem limited to the newest versions.
grandtheftdisco commentedon Dec 12, 2025
Same here. Hitting a 5 hour limit within 30 minutes without any change in my workflow.
grandtheftdisco commentedon Dec 12, 2025
⭐ TIPS:
I've been browsing similar
area:costissues re: Claude this morning and have gathered a few tips in one place. These don't fix the issue entirely but they've helped cut down my usage in the interim: hope these help someone!–no-agent flagto your prompt as well (several users reporting that Claude is recruiting subagents without disclosing this to the user)/configin the CLI to disable auto-compact, as this is another source of token overconsumptionIf anyone else finds ways to reduce token consumption while we wait, feel free to share! 👍
github-actions commentedon Jan 14, 2026
This issue has been inactive for 30 days. If the issue is still occurring, please comment to let us know. Otherwise, this issue will be automatically closed in 30 days for housekeeping purposes.
github-actions commentedon Feb 14, 2026
Closing for now — inactive for too long. Please open a new issue if this is still relevant.
github-actions commentedon Feb 21, 2026
This issue has been automatically locked since it was closed and has not had any activity for 7 days. If you're experiencing a similar issue, please file a new issue and reference this one if it's relevant.