> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.layerlens.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.layerlens.ai/more-in-this-section-7/reduce-eval-cost.md).

# Reduce evaluation cost

Guide — reduce evaluation cost without losing signal.

Levers:

1. **Smaller dataset** — most regressions show up in the first 100-200 rows
2. **Cheaper judge model** — most rubrics work on a balanced model; reserve frontier judges for subtle dimensions
3. **More scorers, fewer judges** — code graders cost \~zero compared to judges
4. **Cache + dedupe** — don't re-judge identical (input, output) pairs

## See also

* [Cookbook: cost-aware evaluation](/more-in-this-section-6/cost-aware-evaluation.md)