> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.greennode.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.greennode.ai/ai-stack/agent-base/protect-govern/rate-limit.md).

# Rate Limit

> Cap the number of Requests and Tokens per time period — protect your system from overload and control costs.

***

## Overview

Rate Limit lets you set a maximum threshold across two dimensions:

| Dimension    | Description                                           |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **Requests** | Maximum number of API calls within a period           |
| **Tokens**   | Maximum total tokens (input + output) within a period |

Each Rate Limit is enforced independently for every **API Key** and every **Model** it is associated with:

* If the Rate Limit is attached to API Key `key-01` → `key-01` is capped at 50 req/day (totalled across all Models)
* If the Rate Limit is attached to Model `gpt-5` → `gpt-5` is capped at 50 req/day (totalled across all API Keys)
* Both caps operate in parallel and independently of each other

{% hint style="info" %}
The ability to restrict "API Key X may only use Model Y" is coming soon.
{% endhint %}

***

## Prerequisites

* A GreenNode account with Root or Admin role
* At least one API Key created (see [Access Control](/ai-stack/agent-base/access-control.md))
* At least one Model enabled in [GreenNode MaaS](https://aiplatform.console.greennode.ai/models)

***

## View Rate Limits

Open [Protect & Govern → Rate Limit](https://aiplatform.console.greennode.ai/protect-govern/rate-limit).

![Rate Limit list](/files/nHw6dzmZpkZOPEog3hxH)

Each Rate Limit displays:

| Column                  | Description                                 |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| **Name**                | Rate Limit name                             |
| **Status**              | Current state (`ACTIVE`)                    |
| **Rate limit**          | Configured req/day and token/day thresholds |
| **Associated models**   | Models the limit is applied to              |
| **Associated API Keys** | API Keys the limit is applied to            |
| **Action**              | ⋮ menu to edit or delete                    |

***

## Create a Rate Limit

**Step 1:** Click **Create a rate limit**.

**Step 2:** Fill in the popup form:

![Create Rate Limit](/files/zkPhY9bIbQvMWtLYlNLN)

| Field               | Example value            | Notes                                           |
| ------------------- | ------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Rate limit name** | `rate-limit-01`          | Lowercase a-z, 0-9, `-`; 5–100 characters       |
| **Limit by**        | Requests and/or Tokens   | Select one or both                              |
| **Request limit**   | `50` Requests / 1 Day    | Applied per API Key and per Model independently |
| **Token limit**     | `1000000` Tokens / 1 Day | Applied per API Key and per Model independently |
| **API Keys**        | `mee-agent`              | API Keys to apply this Rate Limit to            |
| **Models**          | `ChatGPT 4o, gpt-5`      | Models to apply this Rate Limit to              |

{% hint style="info" %}
When both **Requests** and **Tokens** are enabled, the system rejects requests as soon as **either** threshold is reached — whichever occurs first.
{% endhint %}

**Step 3:** Click **Create**.

The Rate Limit appears in the list with status **ACTIVE**.

***

## Edit a Rate Limit

1. In the list, find the Rate Limit → click the **⋮** icon in the Action column
2. Select **Edit configuration**
3. Update the fields you want to change (thresholds, period, API Keys, Models) → click **Save**

Changes take effect immediately for the current period.

***

## Delete a Rate Limit

1. In the list, find the Rate Limit → click the **⋮** icon in the Action column
2. Select **Delete** → confirm

{% hint style="warning" %}
Deleting a Rate Limit removes the restriction immediately. Associated API Keys and Models will no longer be subject to the threshold.
{% endhint %}

***

## Result

After creation, every request from the associated API Keys or Models is checked against the configured thresholds each period. When a threshold is exceeded, the request receives a `429 Too Many Requests` error.

| I want to next...   | Go to                                                    |
| ------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| View usage and cost | [Usage & Budget](/ai-stack/agent-base/usage-budget.md)   |
| Manage API Keys     | [Access Control](/ai-stack/agent-base/access-control.md) |