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413 Payload Too Large

? 413 Payload Too Large

? Quick Overview

The 413 Payload Too Large HTTP status code indicates that the client has sent a request body that exceeds the server’s configured size limit. This commonly happens during file uploads or large POST requests.

? Key Concepts

  • Occurs when request body size exceeds server limits
  • Common in file upload APIs
  • Handled at server, proxy, or application level
  • Previously known as 413 Request Entity Too Large

? Syntax / Theory

The server rejects the request before processing it fully. Limits may be enforced by:

  • Web servers (Nginx, Apache)
  • Application frameworks
  • Reverse proxies or load balancers

? Code Example(s)

? View Code Example
// Express.js example handling large payloads
const express = require("express");
const app = express();

// Set limit to 1MB
app.use(express.json({ limit: "1mb" }));

app.post("/upload", (req, res) => {
  res.send("Upload successful");
});

app.listen(3000);

? Live Output / Explanation

Server Response

If the client sends data larger than 1mb, the server automatically responds with:

Status: 413 Payload Too Large

? Interactive Simulation

Upload a file below to test the "Server Limit". We have simulated a server limit of 1 MB.

Waiting for file...

?️ Interactive / Visual Explanation

ClientLarge PayloadServer Limit

? Use Cases

  • Restricting upload size for security
  • Preventing memory exhaustion
  • Enforcing API usage limits

✅ Tips & Best Practices

  • Clearly document upload size limits
  • Validate file size on client side
  • Return user-friendly error messages

? Try It Yourself

  • Upload a file larger than allowed size
  • Increase server limit and retry
  • Handle 413 errors gracefully in frontend