Tokenomics: Quantifying Where Tokens Are Used in Agentic Software Engineering
A new study explores token consumption in LLM-based Multi-Agent systems used for software engineering. The research highlights that the Code Review stage consumes the majority of tokens, indicating inefficiencies in automated processes. The findings aim to help practitioners optimize workflows and predict costs associated with agentic software engineering.
- ▪The study analyzes token consumption patterns in LLM-MA systems during the Software Development Life Cycle.
- ▪Code Review accounts for an average of 59.4% of token consumption, with input tokens making up 53.9%.
- ▪The research suggests that the primary costs arise from automated refinement and verification rather than initial code generation.
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Computer Science > Software Engineering arXiv:2601.14470 (cs) [Submitted on 20 Jan 2026] Title:Tokenomics: Quantifying Where Tokens Are Used in Agentic Software Engineering Authors:Mohamad Salim, Jasmine Latendresse, SayedHassan Khatoonabadi, Emad Shihab View a PDF of the paper titled Tokenomics: Quantifying Where Tokens Are Used in Agentic Software Engineering, by Mohamad Salim and 3 other authors View PDF HTML (experimental) Abstract:LLM-based Multi-Agent (LLM-MA) systems are increasingly applied to automate complex software engineering tasks such as requirements engineering, code generation, and testing. However, their operational efficiency and resource consumption remain poorly understood, hindering practical adoption due to unpredictable costs and environmental impact.
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