K3Nova
Kimi K3 size
Official materials list 2.8T total parameters, 104B activated parameters, and a 1M context window.
Size meanings
| Question | Answer | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| How large is Kimi K3? | 2.8T total parameters | Kimi K3 official repository |
| How much context can K3 use? | Up to 1M tokens in supported contexts | Kimi API and Kimi Code model docs |
| Does Kimi Code download weights? | No, normal Kimi Code use stores client data, not full model weights | Data locations docs |
| Why does usage feel larger after switching? | Cache and context behavior can change | Kimi Code model configuration docs |
Plain answer
There are two size questions people mix together. Kimi K3 is a 2.8T total-parameter model with a 1M-token context window in official model materials. Kimi Code is the coding tool surface that can call model IDs such as k3, k3-256k, kimi-for-coding, and kimi-for-coding-highspeed.
If you install Kimi Code locally, you are not downloading full Kimi K3 weights. Local storage is for the CLI, config, sessions, credentials, plugins, logs, and history.
Decision checklist
Use this section to keep the next step practical before you touch accounts, files, infrastructure, or hardware.
| Check | Look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Read the official source | Start with the model card, help center, docs, or official product page before trusting summaries. | Model names, limits, and prices change. |
| Name the path | Decide whether you need a hosted app, API call, local client, or full self-managed deployment. | Different paths have different costs and account boundaries. |
| Check the boundary | Keep login, payment, API keys, private files, and account settings on the official surface. | A public guide should help you choose, not handle sensitive actions. |
| Keep evidence | Save the source link, date, version, and practical next step that shaped your decision. | This makes later review easier for a team. |
How to read the facts
Kimi Code size
The local tool stores runtime data and session history. The model itself is reached through configured Kimi access.
Quota size
K3 1M context and k3-256k have different consumption implications, so choose the context window that matches the task.
Quick scan cards
How large is Kimi K3?
2.8T total parameters Kimi K3 official repository
How much context can K3 use?
Up to 1M tokens in supported contexts Kimi API and Kimi Code model docs
Does Kimi Code download weights?
No, normal Kimi Code use stores client data, not full model weights Data locations docs
Why does usage feel larger after switching?
Cache and context behavior can change Kimi Code model configuration docs
FAQ
Is Kimi K3 Code a separate 2.8T download?
No. Kimi Code is the tool surface; Kimi K3 is the model it can call when configured.
Why does Kimi Code use local disk?
It stores sessions, config, credentials, plugins, logs, and history.
Should I use k3 or k3-256k?
Use k3 when you need 1M context and have access; use k3-256k when 256k context is enough.