413 Payload Too Large
The request body is larger than the server is willing or able to process — common on file uploads that exceed a configured limit.
What it means
413 Payload Too Large (renamed 'Content Too Large' in RFC 9110) means the body exceeds a server or proxy limit, such as nginx client_max_body_size or a gateway upload cap. If the condition is temporary the server may add Retry-After.
Why it matters
- It protects servers from memory exhaustion and abuse via oversized uploads.
- It points directly at a body-size limit that needs raising or an upload that needs chunking.
Common mistakes
- A too-low proxy/body limit blocking legitimate uploads.
- Not surfacing the max size to users, leaving them unable to comply.
How WebInspect checks this
- WebInspect reports request framing and how endpoints respond to large bodies in the API Inspector.