Others

Is the Microsoft Graph API Free for User Data Synchronization?

Huma Ashraf Ch Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

An organization needs to know if using the Microsoft Graph API to retrieve and synchronize details for about 200 users every five minutes incurs any costs.

Is the Microsoft Graph API Free for User Data Synchronization?

Product: Microsoft Graph API
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Synchronizing user names, departments, roles, and related details with a third-party system on a five-minute interval.
Observed behavior: The user is seeking clarification on pricing, licensing, and throttling limits for frequent API data synchronization.

Before you start

Before planning your synchronization architecture, verify the specific Microsoft 365 licensing plan your organization holds, as API limits often tie directly to your subscription level.

Solution 1Recommended

Consult Microsoft Documentation and Q&A for Graph API Pricing

Microsoft Graph API pricing and throttling limits vary based on the specific endpoint and data volume. Checking official resources is the best way to get exact costs.

Standard usage of the Microsoft Graph API is typically included with your Microsoft 365 or Azure Active Directory licensing. However, highly frequent synchronization or accessing advanced security and compliance datasets may trigger throttling or require premium licensing.

Identify your required API endpoints

Determine the exact Microsoft Graph endpoints your third-party system is calling, such as the /users or /directory endpoint.

Review official service-specific limits

Check the Microsoft Graph official documentation for service-specific pricing, licensing requirements, and throttling thresholds related to identity and access data.

Submit your scenario to Microsoft Q&A

Post your specific scenario (syncing 200 users every 5 minutes) in the Microsoft Graph forum on Microsoft Q&A. Support specialists can provide guidance tailored to your current tenant licenses.

Consult Microsoft Documentation and Q&A for Graph API Pricing

Optimize with Delta Queries: Syncing data every five minutes may quickly trigger API throttling limits. To prevent this, consider using Microsoft Graph Delta Query to only fetch data that has changed since the last sync.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Looking for a Cost-Effective Office Suite for Your Organization?

While evaluating Microsoft API limits and enterprise licensing costs, consider optimizing your organization's software budget with WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative for all your document processing needs.

1. Download the WPS Office installer: Visit the official WPS website and download the appropriate free client for your operating system.
2. Install and launch the application: Follow the installation wizard to set up the software, then launch WPS Office.
3. Open existing Office files: Drag and drop your existing Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files directly into WPS Office to continue working seamlessly.

Helps organizations significantly reduce software licensing costs while easily syncing data and managing files.100% compatible with Microsoft Office formats, including docx, xlsx, and pptx.Lightweight installation with a familiar UI, minimizing employee training time.Built-in PDF editing, cloud collaboration, and advanced spreadsheet data management tools.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Microsoft Graph API charge per API call?

Most standard Microsoft Graph API calls are included with your active Microsoft 365 license. However, certain advanced services, high-volume data exports, or specific premium endpoints may incur additional metered costs or require higher-tier licenses.

How can I avoid Microsoft Graph API throttling when syncing frequently?

To avoid throttling when syncing every five minutes, implement Microsoft Graph Delta Query. This allows your application to only retrieve user data that has changed since the last synchronization, vastly reducing the payload and request frequency.

Do I need a specific Azure AD license to sync user roles and departments?

Basic user profile data, such as names and departments, usually only requires standard Microsoft 365 licensing. However, accessing advanced identity governance features or premium security roles may require Azure AD Premium P1 or P2 licenses.

Office Quick Solutions