title	Usage limits for GitHub Copilot
shortTitle	Usage limits
allowTitleToDifferFromFilename	true
intro	Learn about {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} usage limits and what to do if you hit a limit.
versions	feature copilot
redirect_from	/copilot/troubleshooting-github-copilot/rate-limits-for-github-copilot /copilot/how-tos/troubleshoot/rate-limits-for-github-copilot /copilot/concepts/rate-limits
contentType	concepts
category	Learn about Copilot

Rate limiting is a mechanism used to control the number of requests a user or application can make in a given time period. {% data variables.product.github %} uses rate limits to ensure everyone has fair access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} and to protect against abuse.

Why does {% data variables.product.github %} use rate limits?

{% data variables.product.github %} enforces rate limits for several reasons.

• Capacity: There is a limited amount of computing power available to serve all {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} users. Rate limiting helps prevent the system from being overloaded.
• High usage: Popular features and models may receive bursts of requests. Rate limits ensure no single user or group can monopolize these resources.
• Fairness: Rate limits ensure that all users have equitable access to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}.
• Abuse mitigation: Without rate limits, malicious actors could exploit {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}, leading to degraded service for everyone or even denial of service.

Types of usage limits

{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} has two limits: a session and a weekly (7-day) limit.

• Session limit. If you hit the session limit, you must wait until it resets before you can resume using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}.
• Weekly limit. This limit caps the total number of tokens you can consume during a 7-day period. If you hit a weekly limit and you have {% data variables.product.prodname_prus %} remaining, you can continue using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %}. Model choice will be re-enabled when the weekly period resets.

What you will see when approaching a limit

{% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli %} both display a warning when you are approaching a limit. These indicators are designed to help you avoid hitting a limit unexpectedly.

What to do if you approach a limit

If you are approaching a limit, the following steps can help reduce the chances of hitting it.

• Use a model with a smaller multiplier for simpler tasks. The larger the multiplier, the faster you will reach the limit.
• Use plan mode. In {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %} and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}, plan mode can improve task efficiency and task success, reducing overall token consumption.
• Reduce parallel workflows. Parallelized tools result in higher token consumption. Use them sparingly if you are nearing your limits.
• Upgrade your plan. If you are on a {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_short %} plan, upgrading to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_plus_short %} provides significantly higher usage limits.

What to do if you hit a limit

If you receive a usage limit error when using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}, you should:

• Wait until your limit time resets.
• Switch to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection %}. If you hit a weekly usage limit, you can continue using {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} until exhausting your premium requests.
• Upgrade your plan. If you are on an individual {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} plan, upgrading your plan will allow for additional usage.
• Contact Support. If you repeatedly hit usage limits and believe it’s impacting legitimate use, contact {% data variables.contact.contact_support_page %} for assistance.