Azure SQL Database

Managed relational database service for scalable, high-availability SQL workloads on Azure. · Azure · Database

Official pricing Docs Report outdated info

Free tier facts

Azure SQL Database · Always free

Plan type: Always free
Card required: Yes
Hard cap: Yes
Billing risk: Low
Resets: Monthly
Good for: Prototype

Limits

100,000 vCore-seconds/month serverless compute per database
32 GB data storage per database
Up to 10 free General Purpose databases per subscription
32 GB backup storage per database

Watch out

Requires an Azure account (Free Account not required for this benefit)
By default, the database auto-pauses until next month when the free limits are reached
If you choose to continue for additional charges, usage above the free amount is billed at standard rates
An Azure account needs a credit or debit card to sign up
Usage above the free amount is billed only if you pick the option to continue using the database for additional charges

Last checked: ✓ 28 Sep 2026Source: learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/database/free-offerReport outdated info

Overview

Azure SQL Database offers a managed, scalable SQL Server experience with an always-free serverless offer: 100,000 vCore-seconds of compute and 32 GB of storage per month for each of up to 10 databases.

Good fit

Use when you need a managed SQL Server database for development, prototyping, or learning on Azure with minimal setup.

prototyping
learning
testing
development

Not a fit

Avoid if you need more than 100,000 vCore-seconds/month of serverless compute per database, require non-SQL engines, or need a non-serverless tier.

need more than 100,000 vCore-seconds/month
require non-SQL
production workloads with no budget

Quickstart · 4 steps

Sign in with an Azure account and subscription.
Select 'Start free' in the Create a database pane of the Azure SQL hub.
On the Create SQL Database page, check that the Free offer applied banner shows.
Deploy the database and connect using Azure SQL tools.