OpenRouter rate limits, context window & usage caps (2026)
Rate limits, context window, message limits, file upload caps and image generation limits - all OpenRouter plans compared.
OpenRouter usage limits by plan
| Free Models | Unlimited | |
| Rate Limit | 500 req/min | Higher limits with credits |
| Paid Models | Unlimited | Pay per token |
| Context | 2000000 tokens | Up to 2M on supported models |
| Free Models | Unlimited | Access to 50+ free models |
| Rate Limit | 20 req/min | Free tier rate limit |
| Paid Models | Not available | Requires credits |
| Context | 200000 tokens | Depends on model |
What happens when you hit OpenRouter's limits?
Check the reset window - most limits refresh within 1–60 minutes
Reload or try again after the reset window passes
If you hit limits regularly, upgrade your plan to increase caps
OpenRouter limit reset schedule
⚡
Per minute
API RPM limits - reset every 60 seconds
🕐
Per hour
Short rolling windows for message quotas
⏱
Per 5 hours
Common for consumer plan message limits
📅
Per day / month
Image gen credits and file storage caps
Exact reset period per limit type is shown in the "Notes" column of the plan table above. OpenRouter uses rolling-window resets - quotas refresh continuously, not at a fixed midnight cutoff.
More OpenRouter intelligence
Live status →
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Pricing →
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Free tier →
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Limits sourced from OpenRouter's official documentation. Updated when plan changes are announced.
OpenRouter limits - frequently asked questions
What is the OpenRouter message limit?
OpenRouter message limits vary by plan - see the full breakdown by tier in the table above.
Does OpenRouter have a file upload limit?
Yes, OpenRouter enforces file upload limits that vary by plan. See the detailed breakdown above.
When do OpenRouter limits reset?
Reset periods vary by limit type - many OpenRouter limits reset on a rolling window (e.g., per 5 hours or per 24 hours). Check the notes column in the table above for specific reset schedules.
What happens when you hit OpenRouter's rate limit?
OpenRouter will temporarily block new requests when you exceed your plan's limits. You may see an in-app message or receive an HTTP 429 response. Wait for the reset window to pass or upgrade your plan.