SQL Server 2025 Licensing Guide

SQL Server 2025 has two main ways to license it. You pick the model by how many users connect and how much power you need.

Option 1: Per core

You license the cores of the server running SQL Server. There is a minimum of 4 core licences per processor, sold in 2-core packs. No CALs are needed, so this suits public-facing apps and large user numbers.

Option 2: Server plus CAL (Standard only)

You buy one server licence and a CAL for each user or device that connects. This suits small teams with a known number of users. Enterprise edition is per-core only.

Standard vs Enterprise

• Standard: core database features, basic availability groups and lower CPU and memory limits. Enough for most small and medium businesses.
• Enterprise: full availability groups, higher limits and advanced features for large or critical systems.

See SQL Server 2025 Standard.

How to choose

1. Count the users or devices that connect.
2. If it is a small, known group, price Server plus CAL.
3. If it is a web app or many users, price per core.
4. Check Microsoft’s edition limits against your workload.

The server itself also needs a licence. Read the Windows Server 2025 licensing guide. Company purchase? See business pricing.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between per core and Server plus CAL licensing?

Per core licenses the server cores and needs no CALs. Server plus CAL needs one server licence and a CAL for each connecting user or device.

Is Server plus CAL available for SQL Server Enterprise?

No. Enterprise is licensed per core only. Server plus CAL is for Standard edition.

What is the difference between SQL Server Standard and Enterprise?

Standard has lower limits and basic availability groups. Enterprise adds full availability groups, higher limits and advanced features.

How many core licences does SQL Server need?

At least 4 core licences per processor, sold in 2-core packs.