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White Paper · SAP

SAP HANA runtime licensing. The restriction trap.

A HANA runtime license runs the database for SAP applications only. A handful of custom tables or one non SAP data feed can reclassify the whole database to full use, priced per 64 GB at list. This paper shows the math and the fix.

Format PDF + HTML
Read Time 18 Minutes
Last Updated June 15, 2026
What you will take away
  • What a runtime license actually permits and forbids
  • Runtime versus full use: price basis and scope
  • The custom table and non SAP data reclassification trap
  • A worked 2 TB benchmark with the full use gap
  • When full use is genuinely forced, and the buyer side fix
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Portrait of Fredrik Filipsson
Written byFredrik FilipssonCo Founder & Group CEO · ex Oracle, IBM, SAP
PublishedSeptember 19, 2025
Last updatedJune 15, 2026
Home›SAP Hub›White Papers›SAP HANA Runtime License

A SAP HANA runtime license is the cheapest way to run the in memory database under an SAP application, and that is exactly why it is misused. It looks like a discount and behaves like a constraint.

The license permits the database to serve only its SAP application. Add custom tables, load non SAP data, or point a reporting tool at HANA, and the restriction is broken. SAP measurement reads the catalog, and one finding can reclassify the whole database to full use at list.

This white paper sets out what runtime allows, how it prices against full use, how a reclassification happens, and the buyer side moves that contain the exposure before SAP measures you. Get the full paper above.

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FAQ

SAP HANA runtime licensing questions

What is an SAP HANA runtime license?
An SAP HANA runtime license is a restricted right that lets the HANA database run only in support of the SAP application it ships with, such as S/4HANA or BW/4HANA. It does not permit non SAP workloads, custom applications, or direct SQL against the database.
How is SAP HANA runtime priced versus full use?
Runtime HANA is priced as roughly 8 to 15 percent of the net SAP application license value and bundled into the application order. Full use HANA is priced per 64 GB memory block, with a benchmark list near 32,500 dollars per block before discount.
What triggers a reclassification from runtime to full use?
Custom Z tables, non SAP data loaded onto the database, or external tools and custom SQL pointed at HANA can trigger a reclassification to full use. SAP measurement scripts read the database catalog and any one of these findings can move the whole database to full use.
When is SAP HANA full use genuinely required?
Full use is required when the database must serve more than its SAP application. Running an ISV or custom application on HANA, using it as a data platform, or allowing direct external consumption all need full use rather than runtime.
How do you avoid a forced HANA full use conversion?
Audit your own database catalog before SAP does, fix the runtime scope wording in the order form, and negotiate a full use conversion price in advance. A planned conversion at deal time costs far less than a forced one at audit.
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