---
ref: tool:exa/answer-question
name: Answer a question from the web
company: company:exa
workflows: []
access: [api]
tags: [capability:research-accounts, category:web-search, has:api]
docs: https://exa.ai/docs/reference/answer
updated: 2026-09-27
---

# Answer a question from the web

Searches the web for a question and returns a direct answer or a summary with citations, or JSON that matches an output schema.

Specific questions get a direct answer and open-ended ones a detailed summary
with citations. Pass `outputSchema` for a structured answer, and use Exa
Agent for research that needs many searches.

## Set up

Use the first option your agent supports.

### API (official)

- Base URL: https://api.exa.ai
- Endpoint: `POST /answer`
- Auth: send the header `Authorization: Bearer $EXA_API_KEY`
- Get a key: https://dashboard.exa.ai/api-keys
- Docs: https://exa.ai/docs/get-started/quickstart

Before doing anything else, make one read-only call to confirm access.

## Rules

- Ask the user before anything that sends messages, costs money, or changes data.
- Never print API keys.