What it does
Microsoft Graph is a unified endpoint for data and operations across Microsoft cloud services, including Microsoft 365, Windows, and Microsoft Entra. Applications call REST endpoints or use Microsoft SDKs to work with resources such as profiles, files, mail, and identity data. A developer registers an app, chooses delegated or application permissions, and requests an access token for the resources it needs.
Start with one user-authorized task
The official tutorials offer Graph quick starts that register an application and configure user authentication. A first integration can request only the permissions needed to read a signed-in user's profile or mailbox, then use a REST request or SDK to retrieve the relevant resource. For a production app, set the account type and redirect URI during registration, and keep permissions aligned with the action the app performs.
Check the endpoint before estimating cost
Microsoft documents APIs available at no additional cost with qualifying user-subscription licenses alongside APIs and services metered by usage. Metered billing can be based on calls, objects returned, or another measure, and the official list identifies which operations require an active Azure subscription. There is no single price class for the whole Graph endpoint: identify the specific API and tenant licensing before estimating charges.
Strengths
- One endpoint and SDKs expose data from several Microsoft cloud services.
- Official tutorials cover app registration and user-authenticated Graph workflows.
- Microsoft publishes separate documentation for standard and metered Graph APIs.
Watch out for
- Protected-resource access requires app registration, permissions, and an access token.
- Permissions and billing rules vary by endpoint, so broad integrations need resource-by-resource review.
Best for
- Building integrations for Microsoft 365 or Entra resources.
- Automating user-authorized profile, file, or mailbox workflows.
- Applications that need REST endpoints or Microsoft SDKs across Microsoft cloud services.
Sources
- Microsoft Graph overview - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn (Oct 25, 2026)
- Microsoft Graph tutorials - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn (Oct 25, 2026)
- Register an application with the Microsoft identity platform - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn (Oct 25, 2026)
- Overview of metered APIs and services in Microsoft Graph - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn (Oct 25, 2026)
- Metered APIs and services in Microsoft Graph - Microsoft Graph | Microsoft Learn (Oct 25, 2026)