VMware Licensing Calculator
Calculate VMware VCF/VVF licensing costs
How to use VMware Licensing Calculator
- 1Enter the number of CPU cores or processors across your hosts that need licensing.
- 2Select the VMware edition and any add-on packs you require.
- 3Read the total license key count and estimated subscription cost before purchase.
Sizing VMware licensing
licenses = sum(hostProcessors × coresPerProc, capped per key); cost = licenses × editionPriceVMware is typically licensed per physical processor (socket) with a minimum core count per socket, so counting cores correctly avoids costly shortfalls.
Edition and support tier drive price far more than raw core count, so compare Standard vs Enterprise plus required add-ons like vSAN or NSX.
Frequently asked questions
Is VMware licensed per core or per socket?
Per CPU socket, with a minimum number of cores per socket that must be licensed even if unused.
Do I license vCenter separately?
Yes, vCenter Server is licensed per instance on top of the ESXi host licenses.
What about stagnant SNL contracts?
Support and subscription (SnS) renewals often dominate lifetime cost, so model them over 3–5 years.
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