The Azure Pricing Calculator is a powerful tool that helps you estimate the cost of using various Azure services. It allows you to configure and price a solution that meets your needs, providing a detailed breakdown of costs.

• Browse Services: You can browse through a comprehensive list of Azure services and add them to your pricing estimate.
• Search Functionality: Use the search bar to quickly find specific services.

• Region Selection: Choose the region where your services will be deployed, as prices can vary by region.
• Service Tiers: Select the appropriate service tier (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium) based on your requirements.
• Instance Types: For services like Virtual Machines, select the instance type that matches your performance needs.

• Monthly Cost: View the estimated monthly cost for each service.
• Total Cost: See the total estimated cost for all selected services.
• Export Options: Export your estimate to Excel or save it for future reference.

1. Access the Azure Pricing Calculator

   • Navigate to the Azure Pricing Calculator.

2. Add a Service

   • Click on "Add products" and select a service, for example, "Virtual Machines".

3. Configure the Service

   • Region: Select the region (e.g., East US).
   • Instance Type: Choose an instance type (e.g., D2s_v3).
   • Operating System: Select the operating system (e.g., Windows).
   • Hours per Month: Enter the number of hours the VM will run per month (e.g., 730 hours for a full month).

4. Review the Cost

   • The calculator will display the estimated monthly cost for the configured Virtual Machine.

5. Add More Services

   • Repeat the process to add more services, such as Azure SQL Database or Azure Storage.

6. View the Total Cost

   • The total estimated cost for all selected services will be displayed at the bottom of the calculator.

7. Export the Estimate

   • Click on "Export" to download the estimate as an Excel file or save it for future reference.

Scenario: You are planning to deploy a web application using Azure services. The application will use the following resources:

• 2 Virtual Machines (D2s_v3, Windows, 730 hours each)
• 1 SQL Database (Standard S2, 250 DTUs)
• 50 GB of Blob Storage (Hot Access Tier)

Steps:

1. Use the Azure Pricing Calculator to estimate the monthly cost of the above configuration.
2. Export the estimate and review the cost breakdown.

1. Virtual Machines:

   • Add 2 Virtual Machines with the following configuration:
     • Region: East US
     • Instance Type: D2s_v3
     • Operating System: Windows
     • Hours per Month: 730

2. SQL Database:

   • Add a SQL Database with the following configuration:
     • Region: East US
     • Service Tier: Standard S2
     • DTUs: 250

3. Blob Storage:

   • Add Blob Storage with the following configuration:
     • Region: East US
     • Storage Capacity: 50 GB
     • Access Tier: Hot

4. Review the Total Cost:

   • The estimated monthly cost should be displayed as follows:

• Incorrect Region Selection: Ensure you select the correct region as prices vary.
• Overlooking Service Tiers: Choose the appropriate service tier to avoid overestimating or underestimating costs.
• Ignoring Additional Costs: Consider additional costs such as data transfer, backup, and support plans.

• Use the Export Feature: Export your estimates to keep a record and share with stakeholders.
• Regularly Update Estimates: Azure prices can change, so regularly update your estimates to reflect current pricing.
• Leverage Azure Reservations: For long-term projects, consider using Azure Reservations to save on costs.

The Azure Pricing Calculator is an essential tool for planning and managing your Azure costs. By understanding how to use it effectively, you can ensure that your projects stay within budget and make informed decisions about resource allocation. In the next topic, we will explore Azure Reservations and how they can help you optimize costs further.