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

# Rate Limits

> Understanding and working with API rate limits

## Overview

The Kaspa Developer Platform API implements rate limiting to ensure fair usage and maintain service quality for all users. Rate limits are applied based on your API key tier.

## Rate Limit Tiers

We offer free and paid tiers to access the API. You can upgrade/downgrade your tier at any time. For more information, see [Pricing Page](https://developer.kas.fyi/pricing).

## Rate Limit Headers

Every API response includes headers that show your current rate limit status:

```
ratelimit-limit: 500;w=1 
ratelimit-remaining: 490 
ratelimit-reset: 0
x-request-cost-ru: 10 
```

## Handling Rate Limits

When you exceed a rate limit, you'll receive a `429 Too Many Requests` response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "statusCode": 429,
  "message": "Rate limit exceeded"
}
```

### Best Practices

1. **Monitor rate limit headers**: Track your usage to avoid hitting limits
2. **Implement exponential backoff**: When rate limited, wait before retrying
3. **Cache responses**: Reduce API calls by caching frequently accessed data
4. **Batch requests**: Use batch endpoints when available
5. **Upgrade your tier**: If you consistently hit limits, consider upgrading

### Example: Exponential Backoff

```typescript theme={null}
async function makeRequestWithRetry(url: string, options: RequestInit, maxRetries = 3) {
  for (let i = 0; i < maxRetries; i++) {
    try {
      const response = await fetch(url, options);
      
      if (response.status === 429) {
        // Rate limited - wait before retrying
        const retryAfter = Math.pow(2, i) * 1000; // Exponential backoff
        await new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, retryAfter));
        continue;
      }
      
      return response;
    } catch (error) {
      if (i === maxRetries - 1) throw error;
    }
  }
}
```

## Need Higher Limits?

If you need higher rate limits, you can [upgrade your plan](https://developer.kas.fyi/pricing) anytime.