SQL Server Licensing: Server+CAL or Core-based?

Short answer: Microsoft SQL Server can be licensed in two ways: Server+CAL (one server license plus CALs per user or device) or Core-based (all physical cores of the server are licensed, without CALs). Server+CAL is worthwhile for a few known users, while Core-based is better for many or unknown users – for example, with internet-based applications. The threshold is around 25 users.

Model 1: Server + CAL

You purchase one SQL Server license and an additional CAL per user or device accessing it – just like with Windows Server. This model is suitable when the number of users is small and known.

Model 2: Core-based

Instead of CALs, you license all physical cores of the server. This completely eliminates CAL counting – regardless of whether 10 or 10,000 users access it. Microsoft requires a minimum purchase of 4 cores per processor, even for processors with fewer cores. We sell the cores in 2-core packs, so the smallest permissible order is two packs.

When is which model worthwhile?

Calculation example: where the threshold lies

Eight internal users. SQL Server 2022 Standard in the Server/CAL variant for €555.99, plus two 5-user packs of User CALs at €574.95 each. Total approximately €1,706.

The same server core-based. A four-core processor requires two 2-core packs at €3,429.99 each, totaling €6,860 – without any CALs.

For eight users, Server/CAL is clearly cheaper. The calculation only shifts at around 25 to 30 users, or immediately if the accessing parties cannot be counted at all: a website with changing, unnamed visitors cannot be meaningfully licensed via CALs. In such cases, Core-based is practically the only option.

“We originally licensed SQL Server with CALs for our twelve employees – when an open-access customer portal was added, it became clear that we had to switch to core-based licensing." An IT manager describes how his company switched from CAL counting to a model without user limits as user numbers grew.

Which version?

We carry SQL Server Standard in versions 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2025, each in both licensing models. The price difference is significant:

Important: CALs must be at least as new as the server. An SQL 2019 CAL does not authorize access to an SQL Server 2022.

Standard or Enterprise?

Core-based licensing is available from Microsoft for both Standard and Enterprise. Enterprise is only worthwhile for very large data volumes, Always-On Availability Groups with multiple replicas, or data warehouse loads – and costs many times more. For small and medium-sized businesses, Standard is almost always sufficient, which is why we only carry the Standard Edition. Those who truly need Enterprise should contact us directly – we will check availability on a case-by-case basis.

Conclusion

Count your users: If they are few and known, Server+CAL is significantly cheaper. For many or unknown users, core-based licensing is almost unavoidable. Our entire SQL Server product range shows both licensing models, and you can find the corresponding access licenses under Access Licenses.