Rate limit
Also called request limit, rate limiting.
A rate limit is a restriction on how many requests, or how much work, a service accepts in a period.
Example
An APIAn application programming interface, or API, is a defined way for software to request data or actions from other software. allows 60 requests a minute. The 61st request in that minute is refused or delayed. The weekly usage allowanceA usage limit is a cap on how much of a service you can use. can still have room left.
Why it matters
The period is often short, such as a minute. A usage allowanceA usage limit is a cap on how much of a service you can use. counts a larger budget over a longer time. A spending limit caps money. Crossing a rate limit usually means “slow down,” not “the account is out of money.”
Common confusion
A rate limit is not a usage allowanceA usage limit is a cap on how much of a service you can use. and not a price. See Usage limit for the other caps.
Sources
Updated September 30, 2026.