Users with ChatGPT Plus can upload files within specific limits that depend on the GPT model and user plan. They may upload up to 20 files per individual GPT, with each file having size restrictions, while overall upload frequency and storage are also regulated by strict caps.
ChatGPT Plus primarily offers access to advanced GPT models, including custom GPTs and GPT-4o. For custom GPTs, users can upload a maximum of 20 files per GPT for its lifetime. This means each custom GPT instance can hold up to 20 files at any given time. These files remain linked to that GPT until the user deletes the GPT or individual files. The 20-file limit per GPT is fixed, so exceeding it requires removal of existing files.
When using GPT-4o or other ChatGPT interfaces, file upload rate limits come into play. Registered GPT-4o users can upload up to 80 files every 3 hours. This periodic rate limit helps balance server load and availability during peak times. During high traffic periods, OpenAI may temporarily reduce these limits to ensure service stability. Free users face a stricter cap, only able to upload up to 3 files per day.
File size restrictions apply universally to all uploaded files:
- Maximum of 512MB per file in size for most file types.
- Document and text files must also meet a 2 million token limit per file, except for spreadsheets.
- CSV and spreadsheet files have a smaller size cap, about 50MB, depending on row size and complexity.
- Images are limited to 20MB each.
Storage quotas further restrict cumulative uploaded files:
- Each user has a total storage cap of 10GB.
- Organizations are limited to 100GB.
Once these caps are reached, users receive an error and must delete files or chats to free space. Files uploaded to custom GPTs or conversations are stored until the associated chat or GPT is deleted or the files become de-identified and disassociated. Deletion of a chat or GPT removes the files from OpenAI’s systems within 30 days, unless otherwise required for legal or security purposes.
Users can manage their file usage by deleting files from recent chats or custom GPTs. This action reduces storage usage, enabling additional uploads within limits. Retention policies ensure that files do not remain indefinitely, balancing usability and privacy.
| Feature | Limit for ChatGPT Plus (and GPT-4o) | Free Plan Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Number of files per GPT (custom GPT) | 20 files lifetime | N/A |
| File uploads per time period | 80 files every 3 hours | 3 files per day |
| Single file size limit | 512MB (varies by file type) | Same |
| Total user storage | 10GB | Same |
| Total organization storage | 100GB | Not applicable |
The limits set by OpenAI aim to balance flexibility for power users with system stability. The combination of file counts per GPT, file size caps, per-user storage, and periodic upload rates helps maintain optimal performance for ChatGPT Plus users.
Custom GPTs specifically emphasize an upload maximum of 20 files and follow the 512MB file size limit. This enables meaningful contextual data or datasets to be paired with the model. GPT-4o users benefit from a higher upload frequency, allowing more dynamic interaction with multiple files in a short time frame.
Managing uploaded files is crucial. Users can delete files from their chats or GPTs to stay within their quota. OpenAI enforces automatic file removals 30 days after relevant chats or GPTs are deleted, supporting privacy and resource management.
- ChatGPT Plus users can upload up to 20 files per custom GPT instance.
- GPT-4o users may upload up to 80 files every 3 hours, while free users are limited to 3 per day.
- File sizes max out generally at 512MB, with smaller limits for spreadsheets and images.
- User and organization storage caps (10GB and 100GB) restrict overall upload capacity.
- Files are retained until the associated chats or GPTs are deleted or storage caps are hit.
How many files can we upload in ChatGPT Plus?
The answer: ChatGPT Plus lets a user upload up to 20 files per custom GPT for that GPT’s lifetime.
That single limit often sparks more questions. How big can each file be? What about overall storage? What happens if you hit a cap? We’ll unpack all of it.
Core Quantity Limits
Each custom GPT—whether it’s your handy research assistant or a marketing planner—accepts up to 20 files. This count never resets. Once you’ve loaded twenty, you either replace or delete one to add another.
Rate Limits by Plan
- GPT-4o users can upload up to 80 files every three hours.
- Free users have three uploads per day.
- Peak-hour throttles may cut these figures to keep things smooth.
These rules apply on top of the 20-file cap per GPT. So, even if you have unused daily or hourly quota, a given GPT cannot hold more than twenty files across its lifetime.
File Size and Type Restrictions
File size matters almost as much as file count. Here’s the breakdown:
- General files: ≤ 512 MB each
- Text/docs: ≤ 2 M tokens per file (spreadsheets exempt)
- CSV/spreadsheets: ≤ ~50 MB each (row size impacts actual limit)
- Images: ≤ 20 MB each
Try uploading a mammoth PDF? It rejects anything bigger than half a gig. A dense spreadsheet? It balks above roughly fifty megabytes. That keeps the system stable.
Storage Caps
Beyond the per-file and per-GPT counts, users see these organizational limits:
- User storage cap: 10 GB total
- Organization cap: 100 GB total
If you hit those ceilings, you receive an error message. Deleting files from chats or custom GPTs frees up space. No need to panic—just housekeep your uploads.
Why These Limits Matter
Providers craft these rules to:
- Ensure fair access during peak demand
- Prevent system overloads or lag
- Control storage costs and data management
It might feel picky at first. But once you’ve worked within these limits, you’ll plan file batches more strategically. Ever tried to upload a giant training dataset in one shot? You’ll want to split it up.
Managing and Deleting Files
When storage or file caps bite, you have two options:
- Delete old files from recent chats.
- Remove files from any custom GPT you built.
Files in Advanced Data Analysis vanish after a plan-dependent period. Uploaded to a chat? They stay until the chat’s retention ends, plus up to thirty days after deletion. Then they vanish—unless legal reasons force retention.
Practical Tips for Power Users
How do you stay within limits while getting the most out of ChatGPT Plus? Try these tactics:
- Batch related docs in one zip, then unpack within GPT (watch the 512 MB cap).
- Keep key reference files in a pinned custom GPT to avoid re-uploads.
- Regularly audit storage: delete stale files in chats and GPTs.
- For large datasets, split CSVs by topic or date to stay under 50 MB each.
Wrapping Up
Limits can feel like roadblocks. Yet they guide you toward lean, well-organized workflows. Knowing the rules lets you plan file uploads wisely. You avoid surprising errors. You keep your custom GPTs nimble.
So the next time you ask, “How many files can we upload in ChatGPT Plus?” you know the full story:
- 20 per custom GPT (lifetime)
- Size caps from 20 MB for images up to 512 MB for general files
- Rate limits by plan: 80 every three hours for GPT-4o, three per day for free users
- Overall storage limits: 10 GB user, 100 GB org
Keep these numbers in mind. Chart your uploads. Delete old files when needed. And you’ll harness ChatGPT Plus to its fullest, without stalling over limits.
How many files can I upload to a Custom GPT in ChatGPT Plus?
You can upload up to 20 files per Custom GPT. This limit applies for the lifetime of that GPT. Each file can be up to 512MB in size.
What is the maximum number of files I can upload on GPT-4o within a few hours?
Users on GPT-4o can upload up to 80 files every 3 hours. This limit can be lowered during peak times to maintain service quality.
Are there different file upload limits for free users compared to ChatGPT Plus users?
Yes, free users can upload up to 3 files per day, while GPT-4o users and ChatGPT Plus users have higher limits like 80 files every 3 hours.
What are the storage caps related to file uploads in ChatGPT Plus?
Each user has a 10GB storage cap, and organizations have a 100GB cap. If these caps are reached, upload attempts will display an error.
Can I delete uploaded files to manage the upload limits?
Yes, you can delete files from recent chats or Custom GPTs to free up space. Deleted files are removed from the system within 30 days unless retained for legal reasons.
