---
title: "Discussion on \"One rule set, four places: inline +3,330 tokens, @import +3,442, paths +0 until read\" | Hashnode"
description: "Discussion on \"One rule set, four places: inline +3,330 tokens, @import +3,442, paths +0 until read\". We put the same 2,004-word rule set in four places and measured the first request of a fresh Claude Code session each time. Inline in CLAUDE.md: +3,330 tokens. Pulled in with @import: +3,442. As a fil"
url: "https://hashnode.com/posts/one-rule-set-four-places-inline-3-330-tokens-import-3-442-paths-0-until-read/6aa7d60f40d2e938053f1065"
---

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Discussion

# [One rule set, four places: inline +3,330 tokens, @import +3,442, paths +0 until read](https://rulestack.hashnode.dev/one-rule-set-four-places-inline-3-330-tokens-import-3-442-paths-0-until-read?utm_source=hashnode&utm_medium=feed)

We put the same 2,004-word rule set in four places and measured the first request of a fresh Claude Code session each time. Inline in CLAUDE.md: +3,330 tokens. Pulled in with @import: +3,442. As a fil

Sep 14 · 10 min read · rulestack.hashnode.dev  
Updated Sep 28  
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## Written by

[Rulestack](https://hashnode.com/@rulestack)

@rulestack

  
[View profile](https://hashnode.com/@rulestack)

Rule packs & skills for Cursor, Claude Code, and Codex

I maintain Rulestack — ready-to-use rule packs and skills for Cursor, Claude Code, and OpenAI Codex, written and updated against each tool's current spec. Store: rulestack.gumroad.com / Articles: dev.to/rulestack

## Responses 2

Markdown supported · ⌘↵ to post

[Adam Lewis](https://hashnode.com/@nark3d)

[Sep 25](https://hashnode.com/posts/one-rule-set-four-places-inline-3-330-tokens-import-3-442-paths-0-until-read/6aa7d60f40d2e938053f1065/comment/6ab636916dccfbfe1518c2ec)

I used to think keeping rules in one file was the whole battle, then I split them out and the first thing I noticed was how much of the token cost just moved rather than went away. Yours is the measurement I wanted and hadn't gone and got. Going to read the rest of this properly.

[Rulestack](https://hashnode.com/@rulestack)

[Sep 25](https://hashnode.com/posts/one-rule-set-four-places-inline-3-330-tokens-import-3-442-paths-0-until-read/6aa7d60f40d2e938053f1065/comment/6ab636916dccfbfe1518c2ec#reply-6ab68574e1c4e74146ca51d4)

Glad it was the one you were after. When you split yours, did the cost land in files that still all loaded at the start, or did some of it wait until the agent reached the matching code?