Updated 22 September 2026.: On 2 September 2026 Google changed how Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) limits usage. The fixed daily counts this guide used to list, such as 50 chat questions and 3 Audio Overviews a day, no longer apply. Usage is now measured by compute, and your quota refreshes every 5 hours up to a weekly limit. This guide explains what changed, which limits still apply, and how to make your quota go further.
Google publishes the current numbers for each plan on its usage limits help page. They vary by plan, account type and region, so we link to Google rather than repeat figures that change.
What changed on 2 September 2026
Gemini Notebook moved to compute-based usage limits, the same model the Gemini app uses. Instead of counting questions, Google counts how much work each request takes. According to Google, that depends on:
- How complex your prompt is. A request to compare ten sources costs more than a one-line question.
- How long the chat is. Each new message in a long thread carries the earlier conversation with it.
- How many sources the notebook has. More sources means more material to search on every answer.
- Which features you use. Studio outputs such as Audio Overviews and Video Overviews use more than a chat reply.
Your quota refreshes every 5 hours, until you reach a weekly limit. Gemini Notebook shows your remaining usage and the next refresh time at the bottom of the chat.
Paid Google AI plans and some Google Workspace plans raise the limits. See Google's upgrade page for what is available on your account.
Limits that did not change
Sources per notebook: the standard tier supports up to 50 sources per notebook. Paid plans allow more.
Size of each source: up to 500,000 words, and up to 200 MB for uploaded files.
Website imports: use the page text only. They do not include embedded media, nested pages or paywalled content.
YouTube imports: need a public video with captions and import the transcript.
Supported source types
Gemini Notebook accepts PDFs, Google Docs, Slides and other Drive files, Word, PowerPoint, text, Markdown, CSV and ePub files, images, audio, web URLs, YouTube videos, pasted text and Gemini chats. Since September 2026, Expert Intelligence also lets you add compatible Google Play Books you own.
How to make your quota go further
Keep notebooks focused.: Because the number of sources affects cost, a notebook with 20 relevant sources is cheaper to query than one holding everything. Split large projects into several notebooks. Collections, rolling out since July 2026, can group them.
Start a new chat for a new question.: Long threads cost more with every message. When you change topic, open a fresh chat.
Ask specific questions.: "Using sources 2 and 5, list where the authors disagree" gets a better answer, in one pass, than several vague questions.
Generate Studio outputs when your sources are final.: An Audio or Video Overview is one of the most expensive actions. Finish adding and pruning sources first, and keep the overviews you have already made.
Prune unused sources.: Remove sources that turned out to be irrelevant, and keep a copy of anything you might need again.
Keep your own copy of your sources
Some users report sources disappearing or failing to load, and deleted notes cannot be recovered. Keep originals outside the notebook. Since 17 August 2026 you can also copy a notebook (eligible sources and Studio items; chat history and notes are not copied).
Gemini Notebook Toolkit helps here. It captures AI chats and web pages into a private, searchable library before they go into a notebook, and exports that library as Markdown, LaTeX, JSON or plain text. It does not change Google's usage limits. It keeps your research organized and portable. See how to back up your Gemini Notebook sources.
Is Gemini Notebook still free?
Yes. The standard tier is free with a Google account. For most people, focused notebooks and fresh chats keep daily research within the free quota. If you regularly run out before the 5-hour refresh, check Google's upgrade options.
Bottom line
Gemini Notebook's limits are now about how much compute you use, not how many questions you ask. Focused notebooks, fresh chats and deliberate use of Audio and Video Overviews stretch the quota furthest. For the complete picture of the product after the rename, read our Gemini Notebook guide.
We will update this page when Google publishes changes to its limits.