Frequently Asked Questions

B-series instances are highlighted in red to indicate that Azure Hybrid Benefit is frequently not cost-effective for these burstable instances. It's recommended to carefully evaluate the cost-benefit for B-series VMs.

We take your data privacy seriously. The calculator processes most of your data locally in your browser. The only information sent outside of your browser is the VM Size and location, which are used to calculate licensing costs. This minimal data is sent securely to our API for processing. We do not store any of your VM data or calculation results on our servers. All other processing, including the handling of your CSV file and the display of results, happens entirely within your browser.

Azure Hybrid Benefit is a licensing benefit that allows you to use your on-premises Windows Server licenses with Software Assurance to run Windows Server virtual machines in Azure at a reduced cost.

The calculator uses the following rules:

• Each VM requires a minimum of 8 core licenses (4 2-core packs).
• For VMs with more than 8 cores, the number of core licenses is rounded up to the nearest even number.
• The total is then calculated across all your VMs.

The subscription duration affects the total savings calculation. A 3-year subscription typically results in greater savings as the upfront cost of the Azure Hybrid Benefit is spread over a longer period.

No, this calculator is specifically designed for Windows Server VMs. Azure Hybrid Benefit does not apply to Linux VMs.

The estimates are based on current pricing and the information you provide. Actual savings may vary due to factors like changes in Azure pricing, VM usage patterns, or changes in your infrastructure.

The calculator provides a default value, but for the most accurate results, you should use the actual price you pay for your Windows Server licenses. Contact your Microsoft representative or license reseller for precise pricing. For a rough indication, you can search for the SKU "DG7GMGF0D5RK:0007" and use search results.

Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts are typically licensed through Microsoft 365 licensing, not Windows Server licensing. This calculator is not designed for AVD scenarios.

It's a good practice to recalculate your potential savings periodically, especially after significant changes to your VM infrastructure or when your Windows Server licenses are up for renewal.

No, this calculator focuses on the savings from Azure Hybrid Benefit alone. Combining Azure Hybrid Benefit with Reserved Instances could lead to additional savings, but that's not calculated here.