Batch API Calls Instead of Looping One-by-One

To batch API calls in n8n, use the HTTP Request node's batching options instead of calling the API once per item. Set a batch size and interval so items are sent in chunks with delays that respect rate limits. When an API exposes a batch endpoint, send many records in one request; otherwise batch the individual calls. Batching cuts execution time and avoids rate-limit errors.

Why batch API calls instead of looping one-by-one?

When processing multiple items, use the HTTP Request node's batching capability instead of calling the API in a loop for each item. Many APIs support batch endpoints, and even for APIs that do not, n8n's built-in batching processes items in configurable chunks with built-in delays to respect rate limits.

Real-world example: You need to geocode 500 customer addresses. Calling the geocoding API one-by-one takes 8 minutes and risks rate limits. Batching with controlled concurrency finishes in under 2 minutes.

Batching reduces total execution time, avoids rate limit errors, and often qualifies for bulk pricing discounts on APIs that offer them.

How do you call a native batch endpoint from the HTTP Request node?

// HTTP Request node configuration with batching
{
  "method": "POST",
  "url": "https://api.geocoding-service.com/v1/batch",
  "sendBody": true,
  "bodyParameters": {
    "jsonBody": "={{ { \"addresses\": $items.map(item => item.json.address) } }}"
  },
  "options": {
    "batching": {
      "batch": {
        "batchSize": 50,
        "batchInterval": 1000
      }
    }
  }
}

If the API has a native batch endpoint, use a Code node to chunk items first:

// Code node: "Prepare Batches"
const items = $input.all();
const batchSize = 50;
const batches = [];

for (let i = 0; i < items.length; i += batchSize) {
  const chunk = items.slice(i, i + batchSize);
  batches.push({
    json: {
      addresses: chunk.map(item => ({
        id: item.json.id,
        address: item.json.address
      })),
      batchIndex: Math.floor(i / batchSize)
    }
  });
}

return batches;

How do you batch requests when an API has no batch endpoint?

For APIs without a batch endpoint, configure the HTTP Request node to process items in batches:

HTTP Request node settings:
  URL: https://api.geocoding-service.com/v1/geocode
  Method: POST
  Body: ={{ { "address": $json.address } }}

  Options:
    Batching:
      Batch Size: 10          # Process 10 items at a time

      Batch Interval: 1000    # Wait 1 second between batches

    Retry On Fail: true
    Max Retries: 3
    Wait Between Retries: 2000

Related: Use Structured Output (JSON Mode) for Parseable Responses · Configure Payload Size and Binary Data Mode for Large Files