# pods is forbidden: failed quota: must specify limits.cpu,limits.memory,requests.cpu,requests.memory

**Code:** `must specify limits` · **Category:** Kubernetes · **Seen on:** Kubernetes

A ResourceQuota on the namespace covers CPU/memory, so every pod must declare those requests/limits — and this one doesn’t.

## Meaning

When a quota tracks compute resources, pods without explicit values are rejected. Add resources to every container (including init and sidecar containers), or have the admin add a LimitRange with defaults.

## Common causes

- Container without resources.requests/limits
- Init or injected sidecar container missing them
- No LimitRange providing defaults

## Quick fix

1. Add requests and limits to all containers
2. Create a LimitRange with default values
3. Check injected sidecars (Istio, Vault)

## Detailed fix by platform

### YAML

1. 

```bash
resources:
  requests: { cpu: 100m, memory: 128Mi }
  limits:   { cpu: 500m, memory: 256Mi }
```


### Kubernetes

1. 

```bash
kubectl create -n app -f - <<'EOF'
apiVersion: v1
kind: LimitRange
metadata: { name: defaults }
spec:
  limits:
  - type: Container
    default: { cpu: 500m, memory: 256Mi }
    defaultRequest: { cpu: 100m, memory: 128Mi }
EOF
```


## How to diagnose

1. **Containers** — Which container lacks resources?
2. **LimitRange** — kubectl get limitrange -n app

---
Source: [WhatIsMyError](https://whatismyerror.com/errors/kubernetes/must-specify-limits)