SQL Server Licensing Calculator

Count the SQL Server 2025 or 2022 licenses you need: per core (physical or VM), Server + CAL, subscription, or pay-as-you-go, including fail-over replicas. Every line shows the rule behind it.

Licensed versionInstalled versionEditionLicensingPaymentSoftware AssurancePhysical processors (sockets)Cores per processorVMs/containers running SQL on this hostPassive HA replicasPassive DR replicasPassive DR replicas in AzureReadable (active) secondaries

Licenses needed

Item	Qty	Unit	Rule
Enterprise perpetual (16 core licenses)	8	2-core packs	PACK + R1
Core licenses	16
2-core packs	8

Why

PACK: Core licenses are sold in 2-core packs; the total rounds up to a whole pack.
R1: Per core, physical server: license every physical core, minimum 4 core licenses per physical processor. Hyper-threads and affinity masks do not change the count.

Note: Rules checked September 23, 2026. License counts only, not a quote. Sources: Microsoft SQL Server licensing guidance · Product Terms · edition limits · Azure Arc billing. Confirm with your reseller or licensing partner before you buy.