Managing API call limits in Airtable

Understanding rate limits

Airtable API allows you to integrate data in Airtable with any external system. The API closely follows REST semantics, uses JSON to encode objects, and relies on standard HTTP codes to signal operation outcomes.

Airtable enforces a rate limit of 5 requests per second (per base) to ensure optimal user performance across all pricing tiers. Additionally, there is a limit of 50 requests per second for all traffic using personal access tokens from a given user or service account. If you exceed this rate, you will receive a 429 status code and must wait 30 seconds before subsequent requests will succeed. API integrations should pause and wait before retrying the API request—behavior handled automatically by the official JavaScript client—with back-off and retry logic.

For other implementations, you may employ the following strategies to manage your API usage effectively and stay within this rate limit.

Monthly call limits for Free and Team plans

Monthly calls for Free and Team plans are also limited to 5 requests per second rate limit. 

Airtable's enforcement of those limits maintains your ability to use our API when you go over your plan's limit. However, any API calls that exceed your plan's monthly limit will slow to 2 requests per second until the following month.

Note

• If you use a third-party integration with Airtable that performs API requests on your behalf, it is the responsibility of the third party to handle rate limits appropriately. We suggest contacting the third-party support team for further details if you encounter rate limit errors.

• It is also important to note that Airtable may update the enforced API rate limits or implement additional limitations, including changes based on pricing plans.

Rate limit management strategies

Batching overview

Airtable's API supports batching, allowing you to process multiple records per request instead of one at a time. Batching can handle up to 10 records per request, enabling you to update up to 50 records per second.  

Batching documentation 

To learn more about batching in Airtable, review our API documentation:

• Create records

• Update multiple records

• Delete multiple records

Using the performUpsert parameter 

The performUpsert parameter endpoint allows users to find, create, and update records in a single call, reducing the number of necessary API requests.

Avoiding duplicate actions

Avoid updating all records, including duplicates, as this can lead to unnecessary processing and transmission of unchanged records.

Using the Sync API

The Sync API feature allows users to sync CSV data with up to 10,000 rows per request instead of 10 records per request using the regular create or update records JSON endpoints—which can significantly reduce the number of necessary API requests.

Caching 

One approach for managing Airtable’s rate limit is using a caching mechanism to handle a high volume of read and list requests. Some developers choose to host a server running an API proxy that fetches and caches Airtable data. This approach can spread your requests over a longer period, helping you avoid hitting the API limits.

Managing API usage is crucial to ensure smooth and uninterrupted interactions with your Airtable data. By implementing the above-mentioned strategies, you can stay within the rate limit and optimize your API operations.