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MaxCompute:FAQ about specifications

Last Updated:Sep 11, 2026

Common questions about MaxCompute resource packages and billing methods.

Category

Questions

Subscription

How do I estimate the number of CUs to purchase when switching from pay-as-you-go to subscription?

Subscription

How do subscription computing resources work?

Pay-as-you-go

Do I need to purchase computing resources in advance for a pay-as-you-go project?

How do I estimate the number of CUs to purchase when switching from pay-as-you-go to subscription?

MaxCompute measures computing resources in compute units (CUs). The right number of CUs depends on your job requirements. Start with a small number—at least 50 CUs—and adjust based on actual usage.

After purchasing subscription resources, monitor your usage with either of these tools:

How do subscription computing resources work?

Subscription computing resources are exclusive resources allocated based on the number of CUs you purchase. Configure quota groups for your computing resources and set resource scheduling periods for each quota group. See Manage quotas in the new MaxCompute console.

Do I need to purchase computing resources in advance for a pay-as-you-go project?

No. Computing jobs in your MaxCompute project preempt computing resources on demand—no advance purchase required. See Pay-as-you-go.