Oracle Database Processor Licensing
An Oracle Database Processor license allows unlimited users to access the Oracle Database running on a given server. The licensing cost is based on the number of CPU cores on the server and an Oracle-defined Core Factor specific to the CPU type.
This guide clearly explains:
- What a Processor license is
- Oracle’s Core Factor and how it affects licensing
- Practical examples clearly showing how to calculate Processor licenses
Read our Oracle Database Licensing FAQs.
What is an Oracle Processor License?
A Processor License means:
- You license Oracle Database based on CPU cores (not users).
- Allows an unlimited number of users or devices to connect to the database.
- Ideal for scenarios involving:
- High user counts
- Public-facing databases
- Environments impossible or impractical to track named users
How to Calculate Oracle Processor Licenses
Oracle’s processor license calculation involves three clearly defined steps:
Step 1: Identify and count all physical CPU cores on the server or cluster.
Step 2: Apply Oracle’s Core Factor (based on your CPU type).
Step 3: Multiply Cores × Core Factor to calculate the required Processor licenses.
- Round up to the next whole number if the result is fractional.
Oracle’s Core Factor
Oracle assigns each CPU type a Core Factor (a multiplier used to determine licensing costs). Common core factors:
| CPU Type (Clearly Explained) | Core Factor (Clearly Defined) |
|---|---|
| Intel/AMD x86 | 0.5 |
| IBM POWER | 1.0 |
| SPARC | Typically 0.5 to 1.0 |
| ARM-based processors | Typically 1.0 |
Note that the lower the Core Factor, the fewer licenses are required, thus lowering the overall cost.
Example: Processor License Calculation
- Server Configuration:
- CPU: 8 physical Intel cores
- Core Factor for Intel CPUs clearly: 0.5
Clearly Explained Calculation:
- 8 cores × 0.5 Core Factor = 4 Processor Licenses
This means you must purchase 4 Oracle Processor licenses for this server, allowing unlimited users.
Additional Example:
- Server Configuration Clearly Explained:
- CPU: 12 physical IBM POWER cores
- Core Factor for IBM POWER clearly: 1.0
Clearly Explained Calculation:
- 12 cores × 1.0 Core Factor = 12 Processor Licenses
You need 12 Processor licenses for unlimited user access on this server.
Oracle Processor License Calculation Checklist
✅ Count the physical cores of the server (or cluster).
✅ Identify the CPU type (Intel, AMD, IBM POWER, etc.).
✅ Apply Oracle’s Core Factor based on the CPU type.
✅ Clearly multiply cores × core factor.
✅ Round up fractional results to the next whole license.
Read Oracle Named User Plus (NUP) License: Definition and Counting Users.
Common Misunderstandings Corrected
- Misconception: “Processor license cost depends on the number of users.”
- Reality: Clearly, no—Processor licenses cover unlimited users. The user count is irrelevant.
- Misconception: “All cores have the same Core Factor.”
- Reality: Oracle assigns different Core Factors depending on CPU type. Check Oracle’s official table.
- Misconception: Fractions do not require rounding up.”
- Reality: Oracle requires always rounding up fractional results.
Read Oracle Licensing: Hard Partitioning to Reduce CPU Licensing Costs.
Practical Summary: Oracle Processor Licensing Calculation
| Step | Action (Clearly Explained) | Example (Clearly Explained) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Count physical cores | 16 cores (Intel) |
| 2 | Apply Core Factor (e.g., Intel = 0.5) | 16 cores × 0.5 |
| 3 | Multiply and round up | 8 Processor licenses |
Conclusion
Oracle Database Processor licensing allows unlimited users at a cost tied to CPU cores and Oracle’s Core Factor. Understanding this calculation method ensures proper license compliance, accurate budgeting, and optimized Oracle software deployment costs.
