> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usehandled.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Rate Limits

> Understanding and handling API rate limits

## Response Headers

When you make API requests, these headers show your rate limit status:

| Header                | Description                                    |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `ratelimit-limit`     | Maximum requests allowed in the current window |
| `ratelimit-remaining` | Requests remaining in the current window       |
| `ratelimit-reset`     | Seconds until the window resets                |

## Example Response Headers

```
ratelimit-limit: 100;w=60
ratelimit-remaining: 95
ratelimit-reset: 45
```

This means:

* 100 requests allowed per 60 seconds
* 95 requests remaining
* Window resets in 45 seconds

## Handling Rate Limits

When you exceed the rate limit, you receive a `429 Too Many Requests` response.

**Best practices:**

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check Headers">
    Check `ratelimit-remaining` before making requests
  </Step>

  <Step title="Wait on 429">
    When you receive a 429, wait for `ratelimit-reset` seconds
  </Step>

  <Step title="Implement Backoff">
    Implement exponential backoff for retries
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Retry Strategy

```javascript theme={null}
async function fetchWithRetry(url, options, maxRetries = 3) {
  for (let attempt = 0; attempt < maxRetries; attempt++) {
    const response = await fetch(url, options);

    if (response.status === 429) {
      const resetAfter = parseInt(response.headers.get('ratelimit-reset') || '5');
      console.log(`Rate limited. Waiting ${resetAfter} seconds...`);
      await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, resetAfter * 1000));
      continue;
    }

    return response;
  }
  throw new Error('Max retries exceeded');
}
```

<Note>
  Rate limit headers appear only when the underlying API provides rate limit information. Some integrations may not include these headers.
</Note>