Content Too Large

Server perspective

Use 413 when the request content is larger than the limits the server is willing or able to process.

When to use

• •Return 413 for oversized uploads, bodies, or request content limits
• •Use Retry-After only when the refusal is temporary rather than purely size-based

How to respond

• •Document size limits clearly and enforce them consistently
• •Explain whether the client should compress, chunk, resize, or choose another upload path

Headers to consider

• •Retry-After

Response body

• •Include the relevant size limit or upload policy when that helps the client choose a smaller request.

Server-side pitfalls

• •Do not use 413 for oversized headers or URIs; use 431 or 414 instead
• •Do not suggest a time-based retry unless waiting could actually change the outcome

Examples