SantaCoder vs StarCoder 15B
Compare the listed model data for SantaCoder by bigcode and StarCoder 15B by bigcode. Benchmark and pricing records are not a controlled test and may change.
Data last updated: 2026-10-16. Verify current model details with each provider.
What the listed data says
SantaCoder: 2K tokens; StarCoder 15B: 8K tokens. StarCoder 15B has the larger listed context window. SantaCoder is listed for coding; StarCoder 15B is listed for coding. Shared catalog benchmark entries: HumanEval: SantaCoder 35.0%; StarCoder 15B 33.6%. These records are reference data, not a controlled head-to-head test; verify current pricing and specifications with each provider.
Catalog source links
Use these model and provider links to verify current specifications, pricing, and availability.
Computed differences from catalog data
- The listed context windows are 2K tokens and 8K tokens; the larger is 4× the smaller.
- On shared numeric benchmark entries, HumanEval: SantaCoder − StarCoder 15B = +1.4 percentage points (35.0% vs 33.6%).
- The first listed parameter quantities are 1.1B and 15.5B; the larger quantity is 14.09× the smaller. Total and active MoE parameters are not directly equivalent.
- The catalog release dates are December 2022 and May 2023, about 5 months apart at the precision supplied.
Cost example: 1M input and 1M output tokens
A cost example for 1M input plus 1M output tokens cannot be calculated reliably because separate numeric input and output rates are not listed for both models.
Choose SantaCoder if…
Choose SantaCoder when your task aligns with catalog-listed uses or strengths such as Embedded code suggestions in constrained environments, Educational demonstrations, Lightweight 1.1B code model, OpenRAIL-M license.
Choose StarCoder 15B if…
Choose StarCoder 15B when your task aligns with catalog-listed uses or strengths such as Legacy StarCoder integrations, Research on code model generations, Pioneered ethical code AI — first with developer opt-out, 80+ programming languages.
SantaCoder
BigCode's 1.1B SantaCoder — small, fast multi-language code model (Python/Java/JS) ideal for inline IDE completion at low latency.
Parameters: 1.1B
Context: 2K tokens
Catalog pricing: OpenRAIL-M — free
StarCoder 15B
Original BigCode StarCoder 15B trained on permissively-licensed GitHub code — strong at completion, docstring generation, and refactoring.
Parameters: 15.5B
Context: 8K tokens
Catalog pricing: OpenRAIL-M — free
Feature Comparison — SantaCoder vs StarCoder 15B
| Specification | SantaCoder | StarCoder 15B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | bigcode | bigcode |
| Parameters | 1.1B | 15.5B |
| Context window | 2K tokens | 8K tokens |
| Maximum output | Not listed | Not listed |
| Catalog pricing | OpenRAIL-M — free | OpenRAIL-M — free |
| Listed input/output cost per 1M tokens | Separate numeric input/output rates not listed | Separate numeric input/output rates not listed |
| License | BigCode OpenRAIL-M | BigCode OpenRAIL-M |
| Coding support | Listed | Listed |
| Reasoning support | Not listed | Not listed |
| Vision input | Not listed | Not listed |
| Multimodal | Not listed | Not listed |
| Open weights | Yes | Yes |
| Benchmark: HumanEval | 35.0% | 33.6% |
Figures are transcribed from LITHOVEX model records. Benchmark versions and evaluation setups may differ; pricing and specifications can change. Check each provider's current documentation before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Explore these models and related comparisons
Read the SantaCoder model profile and StarCoder 15B model profile, or browse the model directory.