# Small language model: what it is and how it works
> A small language model, or SLM, is relatively small in scale compared with the other models it is being compared against.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/small-language-model

# Small language model

A small language model, or SLM, is relatively small in scale compared with the other models it is being compared against

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It can be useful for narrow tasks, on devices or in scenarios with cost and latency constraints. There is no universal size threshold that defines the category. The choice should be based on tests of the intended use and not just on parameter counts.

Also known as

SLM

Topics

[Artificial intelligence](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/inteligencia-artificial)

## Related concepts

- [Foundation model](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/foundation-model)
- [Multimodal model](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/multimodal-model)
- [AI model evaluation](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/ai-model-evaluation)