SQL Server Licensing Calculator
One database, four ways to pay. Compare running SQL Server on your own hardware (per core or Server + CAL), on an Azure VM with your own subscription licenses, on AWS with the license included, and on Azure SQL. Year-one and three-year totals side by side.
What each option means
Your own server, per core
License every core of the server (or every vCPU of the VM), minimum 4. Unlimited users, no CALs. Perpetual licenses are bought once; hardware, power and support are not included here.
Your own server, Server + CAL (Standard only)
One server license plus a CAL for every user or device that connects. Usually cheaper when a small, known group of people uses the database.
Azure VM with Hybrid Benefit
Run SQL Server on an Azure VM and apply your own SQL Server subscription licenses, so Azure bills compute only. Shown with 1-year and 3-year subscription licenses.
AWS license-included and Azure SQL
The cloud provider bundles the SQL license into an hourly or monthly rate. Simple to buy, but you pay for the license as long as the workload runs.
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