The Vectali API returns a paths value next to the SVG. It is a useful measurement with a narrow meaning: the number of path elements in that returned document.
A path is more than one point
An SVG path describes geometry through a sequence of drawing commands. It can contain lines, curves, and multiple subpaths. One element may describe a simple rectangle or a much more involved shape.
This means a path count is not an anchor-point count. Two files with the same number of paths can have very different amounts of geometry. See MDN’s guide to paths for the commands and their syntax.
Fewer paths is not a verdict
Before comparing a number, compare the artwork. Removing an unwanted speck and removing an intentional dot can both lower a count. Only one of those changes improves the result.
For a logo, look at the silhouette, negative space, small details, and how adjacent shapes meet. Open the SVG in the editor you plan to use if manual changes are part of the job.
File size answers another question
optimized_bytes reports the byte length of the SVG string. It is useful when deciding how large a downloadable asset is, or when comparing versions of the same artwork.
It does not tell you whether a curve follows the source accurately. A compact file and an appropriate shape are separate goals worth inspecting separately.
Keep the numbers in context
Read the measurements beside the actual result. Preserve the source image, compare at the intended size, and decide whether the SVG is ready for your next step.
The response reference explains each field without treating it as a quality score.