MAX_THINKING_TOKENS

Updated October 23, 2026 by Alex Sorokoletov

MAX_THINKING_TOKENS is a Claude Code environment variable: Likely controlled via API settings now. Its release history is not tracked here. It is listed in the official reference.

Status	Present in v2.1.310
Category	Models and thinking
Official docs	Listed

How to set it

For one session, export it in the shell that starts Claude Code:

export MAX_THINKING_TOKENS=<value>
claude

To apply it to every session, add it to the env object of a settings file:

// ~/.claude/settings.json
{
  "env": {
    "MAX_THINKING_TOKENS": "<value>"
  }
}

Release notes that mention it

Related variables

CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_ADAPTIVE_THINKING: Disable adaptive thinking mode.
CLAUDE_CODE_DISABLE_THINKING: Completely disable extended thinking.
CLAUDE_CODE_THINKING_DISPLAY_UPDATES: Overrides whether Claude's in-progress thinking and connector text render during a turn.
DISABLE_INTERLEAVED_THINKING: Interleaved thinking beta.
CLAUDE_CODE_MAX_EFFORT_REMINDER
ANTHROPIC_CUSTOM_MODEL_OPTION
ANTHROPIC_CUSTOM_MODEL_OPTION_DESCRIPTION
ANTHROPIC_CUSTOM_MODEL_OPTION_NAME

Frequently asked questions

What does MAX_THINKING_TOKENS do?

Likely controlled via API settings now

Which Claude Code version has MAX_THINKING_TOKENS?

Its release history is not tracked here.

How do I set MAX_THINKING_TOKENS?

Export it before starting Claude Code (export MAX_THINKING_TOKENS=value), or add it to the "env" object in ~/.claude/settings.json to apply it to every session.

All variables, searchable: Claude Code environment variables.