Understand it in 10 seconds
Temperature usually controls how random or varied a model's token choices are.
In plain language
Temperature usually controls how random or varied a model's token choices are. This describes what the model or system does, not a promise that every product behaves identically.
An analogy
It widens or narrows the model's choice set; it is not a creativity percentage.
The analogy is a shortcut, not a complete technical definition.
An everyday example
Where you will encounter it
You may see it in model APIs, writing tools and generation settings.
Should you care?
It matters only when the product exposes it. Check that model's documentation before changing it.
How it differs
There is no universal best value. A higher temperature does not make a model smarter, and some models may not expose it.
Related Terms
Related terms
Continue with these published explanations.
Sources & last checked
Checked against official documentation. Editorial recommendations are distinguished from vendor positioning; no runtime benchmark was performed.
Official documentation
01Last checked: September 5, 2026
official-docs