Managed Service for Prometheus provides two billing methods for metric data ingestion. Choose the method that best fits your metrics profile to optimize costs.
Billing methods
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| By remote write metric data size | Charges based on the size of uncompressed metric data transmitted to your Managed Service for Prometheus instance. | Metrics with few labels per time series |
| By metric sample count | Charges based on the number of data points (samples) transmitted to your Managed Service for Prometheus instance. | Metrics with many labels per time series |
How labels affect your bill
The number of labels on your metrics determines which billing method is more cost-effective.
Each unique combination of label key-value pairs produces a separate time series. For example, a metric like http_requests_total with labels method, status, and handler generates a distinct time series for every combination of those values.
More labels mean more time series. This increases the total sample count without proportionally increasing the raw data size. Label cardinality is the primary factor when choosing a billing method:
Few labels: Each metric produces fewer time series, keeping the total sample count low relative to data size. Billing by remote write metric data size is recommended in this scenario.
Many labels (high cardinality): Each metric fans out into many time series, which drives up the sample count. Billing by metric sample count is recommended in this scenario.
Set the billing method
Specify a billing method when you create a Managed Service for Prometheus instance, or change it for an existing instance.
During instance creation
Log on to the ARMS console. In the left-side navigation pane, choose Managed Service for Prometheus > Instances.
Click Create Prometheus Instance. In the panel that appears, select a billing method. You can also set this method as the default for future instances.
For existing instances
The new billing method takes effect immediately. All charges from that day onward are calculated based on the new method.
The billing method can be changed only once per instance.
Log on to the ARMS console. In the left-side navigation pane, choose Managed Service for Prometheus > Instances.
In the Actions column of the target instance, click Settings. In the panel that appears, click the
icon next to the billing method.
In the dialog box, select the other billing method and click OK.