https://support.anthropic.com/en/articles/11145838-using-claude-code-with-your-max-plan

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Using Claude Code with your Max Plan

Using Claude Code with your Max Plan

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Max plan users have access to use Claude Code directly in their
terminal.

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is a command line tool that gives you access to Claude
models directly in your terminal, allowing you to delegate complex
coding tasks while maintaining transparency and control. With the Max
plan, you now have access to both Claude in the web, desktop, and
mobile apps and Claude Code in your terminal with one unified
subscription.

Why use Claude and Claude Code?

Use two powerful AI products, in one simple subscription.

  * Use Claude for writing, research, analysis, and more -- at work
    and at home

  * Use Claude Code for your terminal-based coding workflows

How to Connect Claude Code with Your Max Plan

To start using Claude Code with your Max plan:

 1. Ensure you have an active Max plan subscription

      + If you're not already subscribed to the Max plan, upgrade at
        claude.ai/upgrade

      + Max plan offers two usage tiers: 5x Pro usage ($100/month) or
        20x Pro usage ($200/month)

 2. Install Claude Code

      + Visit the Claude Code documentation page to download and
        install Claude Code

      + Follow the installation instructions for your operating
        system

 3. Authenticate with your Claude credentials (for your Max plan)

      + When prompted during setup or first use, log in with the same
        credentials you use for Claude

      + This will connect your Max plan subscription to Claude Code

      + If you're already logged in to Claude Code via Anthropic
        Console PAYG, run /login from within Claude Code to switch to
        Max

How Rate Limits Work

With the Max plan, your usage limits are shared across both Claude
and Claude Code:

  * Shared rate limits: All activity in both Claude and Claude Code
    counts against the same usage limits.

  * Message variations: The number of messages you can send on Claude
    varies based on message length, conversation length, and file
    attachments.

  * Coding usage variations: Expected usage for Claude Code will vary
    based on project complexity, codebase size, and auto-accept
    settings.

  * On the Max plan (5x Pro/$100), average users:

      + Send approximately 225 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR

      + Send approximately 50-200 prompts with Claude Code every 5
        hours

  * On the Max plan (20x Pro/$200), average users:

      + Send approximately 900 messages with Claude every 5 hours, OR

      + Send approximately 200-800 prompts with Claude Code every 5
        hours

These estimates are based on how Claude works today. In the future,
we'll add new capabilities (some might use more of your usage, others
less) but we're always working to give you the best value on your
current plan.

What Happens When You Hit Rate Limits

To help you monitor your usage, you will see warning messages about
remaining capacity. When you reach your rate limits, you can select
from a few options based on your needs:

  * If you're on the $100 Max plan (5x Pro usage), consider upgrading
    to the $200 Max plan (20x Pro usage) if you consistently hit
    limits.

  * You will have the flexibility to switch to pay-as-you-go usage
    with an Anthropic Console account. This will provide flexibility
    for intensive coding sprints.

  * Wait till your rate limits reset.

For more details on efficient usage, refer to our Usage Limit Best
Practices.

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Related Articles
 
About Claude Pro usage
 
About Claude's Max Plan Usage
 
How much does the Max plan cost?
 
How do I sign up for the Max plan?
 
Choosing a Claude.ai Plan
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