Custom status line for Claude Code shows context usage, rate limits, and token counts at a glance

A Reddit user has published a custom status line script for Claude Code that surfaces key telemetry directly in the terminal: context usage percentage, 5-hour rate limit percentage (Pro/Max only), KV cache reads, cumulative input and output tokens, the active model, and the working directory. The display is color-coded for dark terminals and updates live, so you can see when to run /clear or /compact without guessing.

Setup

The script requires jq and works on macOS and Linux. The user provided a guide with the script, install steps, and a color reference. To install, you can either follow the manual steps or hand the script file to your own Claude Code instance and say: "implement this status line setup."

Extensibility

The script is designed to be easy to extend. You can add custom fields like git branch, session cost, worktree name, or any other data you want in the bar. The 5-hour rate limit display hides cleanly if unavailable (e.g., on free tier).

Who it's for

Developers using Claude Code (especially Pro/Max subscribers) who want real-time insight into resource consumption without context-switching.