# Deep research

> A ChatGPT mode that plans an investigation, reads many sources, and writes a detailed, cited report for a question that needs real research.

**Category:** ChatGPT

**Deep research is ChatGPT doing the homework.** You describe a question, it proposes a plan, then it searches and reads widely, and after a while it hands you a **structured report with citations** that you can download.

It is slower than [web search](/glossary#chatgpt-web-search) and plans include a limited number of runs per month, so save it for questions where a proper answer is worth the wait. On Business it can also read from connected apps, read-only.

## At work

Before a strategy meeting, ask deep research for an overview of a market with sources from the last 12 months. Then check the three sources the conclusion leans on most.

## Often confused with

Web search. Web search is quick and answers one question; deep research is a full investigation that takes minutes and produces a report.

## Related terms

- Web search (ChatGPT)
- Thinking level
- Playbook

## See it in a lesson

[Models, thinking, and web search](/en/learn/chatgpt/getting-started/models-thinking-and-web-search)

## Further reading

- [Deep research in ChatGPT](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10500283-deep-research-in-chatgpt): How it works, limits, and connected sources.
- [Searching the web with ChatGPT](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/9237897-searching-the-web-with-chatgpt): The lighter option for quick questions.
- [Prompting (ChatGPT Learn)](https://learn.chatgpt.com/docs/prompting): How to brief a research question.

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Last updated: 14/10/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary