Cluster Configuration
Enter your physical infrastructure details
🖥️ Physical Infrastructure
Physical servers in the cluster
Total CPU cores (all sockets)
All WS VMs across all hosts
📋 Licensing Method
How VMs are distributed for licensing purposes
Partner / volume discount (0 = no discount)
%
💰 Pricing (Editable)
Base pack per host, USD
$
Base pack per host, USD
$
Per 2-core pack (remainder), USD
$
Per 2-core pack (remainder), USD
$
Calculated Licensing Parameters
Auto-computed from your inputs
Core Pack Breakdown
Effective Cores per Host (min 16)
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Base 16-core Packs per Host
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Remaining Cores after 16-core base(s)
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Additional 2-core Packs per Host
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Standard Edition
Peak VMs per Host (Licensing Basis)
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Standard License Stacking Factor (÷2 per license)
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Standard 16-core Packs per Host
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Standard 2-core Add-on Packs per Host
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Datacenter Edition
Datacenter 16-core Packs per Host
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Datacenter 2-core Add-on Packs per Host
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How the Calculation Works
Microsoft OEM licensing rules explained
1
Effective cores: Microsoft requires a minimum of 16 cores licensed per host, regardless of actual core count.
Effective Cores = MAX(Physical Cores, 16)
Effective Cores = MAX(Physical Cores, 16)
2
Base 16-core packs: Each host needs 1 base 16-core pack (mandatory minimum). If cores exceed 16, you do NOT round up to the next full 16-core pack — instead you top up with cheaper 2-core add-on packs for the remainder.
Base 16-core Packs = 1 (minimum, always)
Remaining Cores = Effective Cores − (Base Packs × 16)
2-core Add-on Packs = CEILING(Remaining Cores / 2)
Base 16-core Packs = 1 (minimum, always)
Remaining Cores = Effective Cores − (Base Packs × 16)
2-core Add-on Packs = CEILING(Remaining Cores / 2)
3
Standard stacking: Each Standard license set (16-core base + 2-core add-ons) covers 2 VMs. For N VMs you need CEILING(N/2) full license sets per host.
Stack Factor = CEILING(PeakVMs / 2)
Std 16-core/Host = Stack Factor × Base Packs
Std 2-core/Host = Stack Factor × 2-core Add-on Packs
Stack Factor = CEILING(PeakVMs / 2)
Std 16-core/Host = Stack Factor × Base Packs
Std 2-core/Host = Stack Factor × 2-core Add-on Packs
4
Datacenter: One set of licenses (16-core base + 2-core add-ons) covers unlimited VMs. No stacking needed — always equals 1× the core-pack structure.
DC 16-core/Host = Base Packs (×1)
DC 2-core/Host = 2-core Add-on Packs (×1)
DC 16-core/Host = Base Packs (×1)
DC 2-core/Host = 2-core Add-on Packs (×1)
5
Recommendation: Whichever total cost (16-core + 2-core add-ons × all hosts) is lower.
IF(Total Std Cost < Total DC Cost → Standard)
IF(Total Std Cost < Total DC Cost → Standard)
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Calculating…
Standard
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Total Cost
Datacenter
—
Total Cost
Cost Breakdown
Per host and total across cluster
| Line Item | Standard | Datacenter |
|---|---|---|
| Base 16-core Packs per Host | — | — |
| Additional 2-core Packs per Host | — | — |
| License Set Cost per Host (before discount) | — | — |
| Stack Factor (Standard = ÷2 VMs / DC = ×1) | — | ×1 |
| Number of Hosts | — | |
| Discount Applied | — | |
| Total Cluster Cost | — | — |
⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator is for estimation and planning purposes only. Pricing may vary by region, channel, and Microsoft licensing agreements. Always verify final costs with your Microsoft licensing partner or reseller. Not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.