---
title: Configuring a Request Rate Shaping Class (Rate Class)
slug: ps/help/en_us/vtm/userguide/configuring-a-request-rate-shaping-class-rate-class
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-08-02T07:48:41.419Z
---

To use Request Rate Shaping, you need to add at least one Request Rate Shaping Class, or Rate class. Each Rate class defines a per-second and per-minute rate limit for events.

Rate classes are stored in the Catalog, and are invoked using the TrafficScript rate.use() function.

### Adding a Rate Class to the Catalog

To add a new Rate class, click **Catalogs > Rate Shaping classes**. In the box labeled “Create new Rate class”, enter a name for your new class, and then click **Create Class**.

Rate classes contain the following configuration settings:

| Setting                | Description                                                                                          |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| max\_rate\_per\_minute | The maximum number of requests that can take place per minute. A value of “0” (zero) means no limit. |
| max\_rate\_per\_second | The maximum number of requests that can take place per second. A value of “0” (zero) means no limit. |

You can configure both per-second and per-minute limits if you wish. Both limits are applied (note that if the per-minute limit is more than 60-times the per-second limit, it has no effect).

Once you have configured the Rate class, click **Update** to commit your changes.