Trying ScienceDirect AI
Last updated on August 07, 2025
ScienceDirect AI offers intelligent tools like the Reading Assistant to help you interact with scientific articles more effectively. This FAQ covers everything you need to know about accessing the free version, usage limits, account setup, and upgrade options.
Yes. When you sign in, you can use the Reading Assistant to ask questions about up to five full-text articles during a 30-day period. After 30 days, your limit resets and you can query another five articles.
Once you've used Reading Assistant on five articles, you'll need to wait until your 30-day period resets to continue using it for free. Alternatively, you can purchase access to unlock unlimited usage.
A usage tracker within the Reading Assistant interface shows:
- How many of your five articles you've used
- When your current 30-day period renews
Yes, for unlimited access to features like Reading Assistant, Ask ScienceDirect AI, or Compare Experiments, you can:
- Explore an individual subscription
Yes, you'll need to sign in with an Elsevier account to track your usage. Registration takes just a minute. Learn more: How to create an Elsevier account.
No worries! Your access is linked to your ScienceDirect account, not your device or browser. You can use the same allowance across multiple devices as long as you're signed in.
No, unused article access does not carry over. A new 30-day cycle with a fresh limit of five articles begins once your current period ends.
Currently, free access is available for Reading Assistant only. Other features may become available with similar login and usage limits in the future.
Your 30-day period begins as soon as you start using Reading Assistant after signing in. The next cycle starts immediately after the previous one ends.
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