# Model Routing

> Choosing different models or workflows based on task type, difficulty, cost, or risk.

- Category: Reasoning & Inference
- Stage: Rising
- Also called: Router, Model cascade
- Canonical: https://www.joelcsaji.com/ai-dictionary/model-routing

## Plain English

Use the small fast model when it is enough, and the big careful model when it matters.

## Example

A support system routes simple FAQs to a cheap model and complex account issues to a stronger one.

## Why it matters

Routing helps teams balance quality, speed, and cost in production AI systems.

## Related

- [Orchestrator-Workers](https://www.joelcsaji.com/ai-dictionary/orchestrator-workers)
- [Reasoning Model](https://www.joelcsaji.com/ai-dictionary/reasoning-model)
- [Latency](https://www.joelcsaji.com/ai-dictionary/latency)

## Mentioned in

- [React 19 Deep Dive: Server Components, Compiler, and the New Hooks](https://www.joelcsaji.com/blog/react-19-deep-dive-server-components-compiler-hooks)
- [10 Tips & Tricks to Level Up Your ReactJS Development](https://www.joelcsaji.com/blog/10-tips-tricks-to-level-up-your-reactjs-development)
- [Why Choose React for Your Next Web Development?](https://www.joelcsaji.com/blog/why-choose-react-for-your-next-web-development)

## Sources

- [Anthropic: Building Effective Agents](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/building-effective-agents)