What is a DTU and how does it relate to vCores?

A DTU (Database Transaction Unit) is a blended measure of CPU, memory, and IO. DTU tiers offer predefined bundles. vCore tiers let you independently select compute and storage, offering more flexibility. There is no exact DTU-to-vCore conversion, but Microsoft provides mapping guidance. The calculator shows costs for both so you can compare directly.

When should I use an Elastic Pool?

Elastic Pools are ideal when you have multiple databases with varying and unpredictable usage that peaks at different times. Instead of provisioning each database for peak, you share a pool of DTUs or vCores. The calculator helps you determine when a pool becomes cheaper than individual databases.

How does the Serverless compute tier work?

Serverless auto-scales compute within a configured min-max vCore range and bills per vCore-second of actual usage. When idle beyond a configurable delay, the database auto-pauses and you pay only for storage. It is perfect for dev/test, low-usage, or intermittent workloads.

Azure SQL DTU Calculator

StorageAzure

Calculate Azure SQL Database costs across DTU and vCore models with Elastic Pool, Serverless, and Azure Hybrid Benefit options.

Azure SQL Configuration

Purchasing Model

DTU Tier

Storage (GB)

Elastic Pool Databases (0 = single database)

JSON Output

// Click Calculate to see results

DTU vs vCore: When to Use Each

DTU Database Transaction Units

Bundled compute + IO + memory in a single metric
Simpler pricing with fixed cost per tier
Best for predictable, steady-state workloads
No Azure Hybrid Benefit available
Cannot independently scale compute vs storage

vCore Virtual Cores

Independent compute, memory, and storage scaling
Azure Hybrid Benefit for ~55% compute savings
Serverless option with auto-pause for intermittent workloads
Easier to translate from on-prem SQL Server sizing
Reserved capacity pricing for 1- or 3-year commitments

Azure Hybrid Benefit Eligibility

Azure Hybrid Benefit (AHB) lets you use existing SQL Server licenses with active Software Assurance to pay a reduced rate on Azure SQL. Each SQL Server Enterprise Edition core license entitles you to 1 vCore of Business Critical or 4 vCores of General Purpose. Standard Edition core licenses map 1:1 to General Purpose vCores. AHB is only available on the vCore purchasing model. DTU-based databases are not eligible.

About This Tool

The Azure SQL DTU Calculator helps you estimate costs for Azure SQL Database across both DTU-based and vCore-based purchasing models. It covers all service tiers including Basic, Standard, and Premium for DTU, and General Purpose, Business Critical, and Hyperscale for vCore. The calculator also models Elastic Pool pricing for multi-tenant scenarios and Serverless compute tier costs for intermittent workloads. Azure Hybrid Benefit savings for customers with existing SQL Server licenses are factored in, making it a comprehensive planning tool for any Azure SQL Database deployment.

When to Use This Tool

•Choosing between DTU and vCore purchasing models for a new Azure SQL Database deployment.
•Sizing an Elastic Pool for a SaaS application with 50+ tenant databases that share compute resources.
•Estimating Serverless tier costs for a development or staging database that is idle most of the day.
•Calculating Azure Hybrid Benefit savings by bringing existing SQL Server Enterprise licenses to Azure SQL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DTU and how does it relate to vCores?: A DTU (Database Transaction Unit) is a blended measure of CPU, memory, and IO. DTU tiers offer predefined bundles. vCore tiers let you independently select compute and storage, offering more flexibility. There is no exact DTU-to-vCore conversion, but Microsoft provides mapping guidance. The calculator shows costs for both so you can compare directly.
When should I use an Elastic Pool?: Elastic Pools are ideal when you have multiple databases with varying and unpredictable usage that peaks at different times. Instead of provisioning each database for peak, you share a pool of DTUs or vCores. The calculator helps you determine when a pool becomes cheaper than individual databases.
How does the Serverless compute tier work?: Serverless auto-scales compute within a configured min-max vCore range and bills per vCore-second of actual usage. When idle beyond a configurable delay, the database auto-pauses and you pay only for storage. It is perfect for dev/test, low-usage, or intermittent workloads.

Disclaimer: This tool runs entirely in your browser. No data is sent to our servers. Always verify outputs before using them in production. AWS, Azure, and GCP are trademarks of their respective owners.