SantaCoder vs StarCoderBase 1B
Compare the listed model data for SantaCoder by bigcode and StarCoderBase 1B 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; StarCoderBase 1B: 4K tokens. StarCoderBase 1B has the larger listed context window. SantaCoder is listed for coding; StarCoderBase 1B is listed for coding. Shared catalog benchmark entries: HumanEval: SantaCoder 35.0%; StarCoderBase 1B 19.0%. 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 4K tokens; the larger is 2× the smaller.
- On shared numeric benchmark entries, HumanEval: SantaCoder − StarCoderBase 1B = +16 percentage points (35.0% vs 19.0%).
- The first listed parameter quantities are 1.1B and 1B; the larger quantity is 1.1× the smaller. Total and active MoE parameters are not directly equivalent.
- The catalog release dates are December 2022 and February 2024, about 14 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 StarCoderBase 1B if…
Choose StarCoderBase 1B when your task aligns with catalog-listed uses or strengths such as Fine-tuning on specific programming languages, Research on small code models, Edge code completion, Smallest StarCoder2 — fine-tuning and research base.
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
StarCoderBase 1B
BigCode's tiny 1B StarCoder base — quick shell-command suggestions, regex generation, and small one-line code completions.
Parameters: 1B
Context: 4K tokens
Catalog pricing: OpenRAIL-M — free
Feature Comparison — SantaCoder vs StarCoderBase 1B
| Specification | SantaCoder | StarCoderBase 1B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | bigcode | bigcode |
| Parameters | 1.1B | 1B |
| Context window | 2K tokens | 4K 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% | 19.0% |
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 StarCoderBase 1B model profile, or browse the model directory.