MS SQL Server Standard

License Calculator

Calculate the number of SQL Server Standard Edition licenses needed for your virtualized environment and estimate costs

🎯 Choose Your Licensing Approach

Select your preferred licensing model and cost structure to get started

Choose between licensing by cores or by users/devices

Select your preferred payment and licensing structure

1 Environment Configuration

Number of virtual machines running SQL Server

Virtual CPUs allocated to each SQL VM

Total users and devices accessing SQL Server

💰 Perpetual License Pricing

One-time purchase with lifetime usage rights

1 Core-based Licensing

One-time perpetual license cost per 2-core pack

2 Server + CAL Licensing

One-time server license cost

One-time CAL cost

2 Licensing Results

💡 Licensing Tips

  • • Core licensing: Minimum 4 cores per VM
  • • Standard Edition: Max 24 cores or 4 sockets
  • • Consider Software Assurance for updates
  • • CAL model may be cheaper for fewer users

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Licensing Model Comparison

🚀 Need Enterprise Edition Licensing?

For advanced features like Always On Availability Groups, advanced security, and unlimited virtualization

SQL Server Enterprise Calculator

Information Sources

How to Use This SQL Server Licensing Calculator

Step 1: Enter Your Environment Details

Input the number of SQL Server VMs you plan to deploy, the vCPUs allocated to each VM, and the total number of users and devices that will access SQL Server.

Step 2: Set Pricing Information

Enter the current pricing for SQL Server Standard 2-core packs. The calculator uses Microsoft’s standard pricing by default.

Step 3: Choose Licensing Model

Select between Core-based licensing or Server + CAL licensing to see costs and recommendations for your specific scenario.

Step 4: Review Results

The calculator will show detailed cost breakdowns, comparisons, and recommend the most cost-effective licensing approach for your environment.

💰 Perpetual License

• One-time purchase: Pay upfront for lifetime usage rights

• Software Assurance: Optional annual maintenance (25% of license cost)

• Updates: Major version upgrades require new licenses

• Best For: Long-term deployments with stable requirements

📅 Subscription

• Annual payment: Typically 25-30% of perpetual license cost

• Includes updates: All updates and upgrades included

• Flexibility: Scale up/down as needed

• Best For: Dynamic environments with changing requirements

☁️ Pay-as-you-go (Azure)

• Monthly billing: Pay for continuous monthly usage

• No upfront costs: Start immediately without capital investment

• Auto-scaling: Costs adjust with resource usage

• Best For: Development, testing, or variable workloads

Licensing SQL Server Standard Edition VMs by Core/vCPU

• Minimum Requirement: 4 core licenses per VM (2 two-core packs)

• License Requirement: Must license all virtual cores assigned to the VM

• Standard Edition Limits: Maximum 24 cores or 4 sockets per instance

• Virtualization: Core licenses allow unlimited virtualization on licensed cores

• Best For: High-core count servers or environments with many concurrent users

Licensing VMs with SQL Server Standard Edition Server + CAL

• Server License: One license required per SQL Server instance/VM

• CAL Requirement: Each user or device needs a Client Access License

• CAL Types: Choose between User CALs or Device CALs (not both)

• Virtualization: Each VM requires its own server license

• Best For: Environments with limited users/devices and lower core counts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Core-based and Server + CAL licensing?

Core-based licensing requires you to license all physical or virtual cores on the server, with a minimum of 4 cores per VM. Server + CAL licensing requires one server license per SQL Server instance plus Client Access Licenses (CALs) for each user or device accessing the server.

Which licensing model is more cost-effective?

It depends on your environment. Core-based licensing is typically better for high-user environments or servers with many cores. Server + CAL licensing is often more cost-effective for environments with fewer users (typically under 25-50 users) and lower core counts.

What is the minimum core requirement for SQL Server Standard?

SQL Server Standard requires a minimum of 4 core licenses per virtual machine, regardless of how many vCPUs are actually assigned. This means you need at least 2 two-core packs per VM.

Can I use Server + CAL licensing with Azure pay-as-you-go?

No, Microsoft only offers Core-based licensing for Azure pay-as-you-go and subscription models. Server + CAL licensing is only available for perpetual (on-premises) licenses.

What is Software Assurance and do I need it?

Software Assurance (SA) is an annual maintenance program that costs 25% of the license price. It provides version upgrades, technical support, and additional benefits like License Mobility. It’s optional for perpetual licenses but recommended for production environments.

How does virtualization affect SQL Server licensing?

For Core-based licensing, you must license all virtual cores assigned to each SQL Server VM. For Server + CAL licensing, each VM running SQL Server requires its own server license, regardless of the physical host.

What are the limitations of SQL Server Standard Edition?

SQL Server Standard is limited to 24 cores or 4 sockets per instance, 128 GB of buffer pool memory, and basic availability features. It doesn’t include advanced features like Always On Availability Groups or advanced security features found in Enterprise Edition.

Can I mix Core and CAL licensing models?

No, you cannot mix licensing models for the same SQL Server instance. However, you can use different licensing models for different SQL Server instances in your environment.

How accurate are the default prices in this calculator?

The default prices are based on Microsoft’s published list prices and may vary based on your volume licensing agreement, partner discounts, or regional pricing. Always verify current pricing with Microsoft or an authorized reseller.

What if I need to scale my SQL Server environment later?

Core-based licensing scales with hardware changes, while CAL licensing scales with user growth. Consider your growth plans when choosing a licensing model. Subscription and pay-as-you-go models offer more flexibility for scaling.

Important Disclaimer

Educational Purpose Only: This calculator is provided for educational and estimation purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional licensing consultation or official Microsoft guidance.

Pricing Accuracy: Default pricing values are based on Microsoft’s published list prices and may not reflect current market rates, volume discounts, partner pricing, or regional variations. Always verify current pricing with Microsoft or authorized resellers.

Licensing Complexity: SQL Server licensing involves complex rules and scenarios that may not be fully covered by this calculator. Specific deployment architectures, disaster recovery setups, and virtualization scenarios may require additional licensing considerations.

No Warranty: The calculations and recommendations provided are estimates only. We make no warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided.

Professional Consultation Required: For production deployments, enterprise environments, or complex scenarios, always consult with Microsoft licensing specialists or certified partners before making final licensing decisions.

Compliance Responsibility: Users are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with Microsoft licensing terms and conditions. This calculator does not guarantee licensing compliance.

Legal Notice

Trademark Notice: Microsoft, SQL Server, Windows Server, and other Microsoft product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. This calculator is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft Corporation.

Limitation of Liability: In no event shall the creators of this calculator be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from the use of this tool or reliance on its calculations.

Terms of Use: By using this calculator, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this disclaimer and agree to use the tool at your own risk.

Updates and Changes: Microsoft licensing terms, pricing, and product features may change without notice. This calculator may not reflect the most current information available.

SQL Server Standard License Calculator | Estimate & Compare Costs
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