How many core licenses do I need for SQL Server?

Question

Core Based Licensing You will need a core license for every core in the processor. You need at least four core licenses for each physical processor on the server (core licenses are sold in packs of two). The SQL Server or any of its components needs to be licensed.

How many cores should my SQL Server have?

EditionEnterprise and DeveloperStandard Per coreMaximum number of coresOperating system maximumLesser of 4 sockets or 24 cores

How many core licenses do I need?

Each processor needs to be licensed with a minimum of eight core licenses (four 2-packs). Each physical server, including single-processor servers, will need to be licensed with a minimum of 16 Core Licenses (eight 2-packs or one 16-pack). One core license must be assigned for each physical core on the server.

What SQL Server license do I need?

Every User or Device accessing the SQL Server software, virtual or physical, must be licensed with a SQL CAL. Users and Devices accessing the SQL software indirectly through another application or hardware device will still need a CAL.

How many cores can SQL Server use?

SQL Server Standard Edition is limited as to how many cores it can access: 2014 & prior cap out at 16 cores (32 with hyperthreading), and 2016 & newer cap out at 24 cores (48 with hyperthreading.)

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