Skip to main content
The OpenAlex API uses a usage-based rate limiting system. Different endpoint types have different costs per request.
API key required starting February 13, 2026. API keys are free—get yours here. See the announcement for details.

​
Getting an API Key

API keys are free. Here’s how to get one:
  1. Create a free account at openalex.org
  2. Go to openalex.org/settings/api to get your key
  3. Add api_key=YOUR_KEY to your API calls
curl "https://api.openalex.org/works?api_key=YOUR_KEY"
Without an API key, you’re limited to $0.01/day of usage—enough for quick tests, but not for real work.

​
What you can do for free every day

With a free API key ($1/day), you can make per day:
  • Unlimited singleton requests (they’re free)
  • 10,000 list/filter requests, or
  • 1,000 search requests, or
  • 100 content downloads, or
  • Any mix totaling $1
For full details on endpoint pricing, rate limit headers, query limits, and usage tips, see Authentication & Rate Limits in the API Reference.