Kubernetes Node Cost Calculator

Once you know your node count and per-node hourly price, you can estimate monthly spend quickly. Compare baseline vs peak node counts and stress-test autoscaling scenarios.

Inputs

Nodes
Avg $233.47 per node-month.
Price per node ($ / hour)
Utilization (%)
Use <100% if nodes aren't running 24/7.
Hours/day
Days/month
Use 30.4 for an average month.
Monthly hours: 730
Scenario presets

Results

Estimated monthly node cost
$2,801.66
Billable hours (per node)
730 hr (100%)
Cost per node
$233.47

Add a peak scenario to model autoscaling or seasonal spikes and compare the delta to your baseline budget.

How to get your inputs

  • Nodes: use average node count after autoscaler changes (exclude drained nodes).
  • Hourly rate: use the actual node type price, including OS licensing if applicable.
  • Schedule: hours/day and days/month should reflect cluster uptime, not pod CPU usage.

Result interpretation

  • If baseline cost is high, check node type and average node count assumptions.
  • Large peak deltas usually indicate aggressive autoscaling or workload seasonality.

Common mistakes

  • Mixing pod utilization with node uptime (different concepts).
  • Forgetting system nodes, headroom, or buffer capacity.
  • Ignoring control plane fees and add-ons in total cost.

Scenario planning

Scenario Nodes Hourly rate Notes
Baseline Average Current Normal autoscaling
Peak High Current Seasonal spike

Validate after changes

  • Compare node-hours and effective $/hour to billing line items.
  • Check autoscaler metrics for average node count over the month.

Next steps

Guides All calculators Guide: Kubernetes cost calculator Requests & limits sizing Compute instance cost Reserved break-even
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Example scenario

  • 12 nodes at $0.32/hour running 24/7 -> estimate monthly node spend.
  • Peak 210% scenario highlights seasonal cluster expansion.

Included

  • Monthly compute estimate from node count, $/hour, and billable hours.
  • Days/month input to align with billing cycles.
  • Baseline vs peak scenario table for node scale-out.
  • Simple utilization model for scheduled/dev environments.

Not included

  • Load balancers, storage, bandwidth, control plane fees, and add-ons.
  • Autoscaling dynamics over time (use multiple scenarios).

How we calculate

  • Billable hours per node ~= days per month x hours/day x utilization.
  • Monthly cost = nodes x billable hours per node x $/hour.
  • Use 30.4 days/month for an average month or set the exact billing month.
  • Optionally add a peak scenario to compare baseline vs peak cost.
  • This tool estimates node compute only (not load balancers, storage, or data transfer).

FAQ

Should I use on-demand or committed hourly pricing?
Use the effective hourly price you expect after savings plans/reservations if applicable.
Does this include control plane fees?
No. Some managed Kubernetes services have control plane charges; add those separately.
Why include a peak scenario?
It shows how autoscaling or seasonal spikes change your monthly cost and helps avoid under-budgeting.
What else should I add for a full Kubernetes cost estimate?
Common add-ons include load balancers, persistent volumes, NAT/egress, logging/metrics, and control plane fees. Use this calculator for node compute, then layer the rest as separate line items.

Related tools

Guide: Kubernetes cost calculator Requests & limits sizing Compute instance cost Reserved break-even

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Disclaimer

Educational use only. Not legal, financial, or professional advice. Results are estimates based on the inputs and assumptions shown on this page. Verify pricing and limits with your providers and documentation.

Last updated: 2026-01-28