Performance Testing Service (PTS) charges based on Virtual User Minutes (VUM), a metric that reflects the computing resources consumed during each stress test. This page covers VUM calculation, free quota, billing method, and cost optimization.
How VUM is calculated
Each VUM represents one virtual user running for one minute. The total VUM consumed by a stress test determines the charge.
VUM = IP addresses used x 500 x Duration (minutes) x (1 + Log sampling rate)Variable | Description | Example |
IP addresses used | Number of IP addresses allocated for the stress test. See IP address calculation below. | 3 IP addresses |
500 | Fixed multiplier. Each IP address supports 500 concurrent virtual users, regardless of the stress test configuration. | Always 500 |
Duration | Stress test duration in minutes. Durations shorter than one minute are converted proportionally. | 5 min 40 sec = 5.67 minutes |
Log sampling rate | Sampling rate for stress test logs. Default: 1%. Rates above 1% increase VUM consumption. | 1% (default): factor is 1. 20%: factor is 1.2. 100%: factor is 2. |
IP address calculation
IP address count depends on whether the IP extension feature is enabled.
Without IP extension:
| Mode | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Concurrency mode | Maximum concurrent users / 500, rounded up | 1,200 concurrent users: 1200 / 500 = 2.4, rounded up to 3 IPs |
| Requests per second (RPS) mode | Maximum RPS / 4000, rounded up | 10,000 RPS: 10000 / 4000 = 2.5, rounded up to 3 IPs |
With IP extension: The IP address count equals the number you specify. If you specify 5 IP addresses, 5 IPs are used.
Calculation example
A stress test with the following parameters:
500 concurrent users (1 IP address)
20-minute duration
Default log sampling rate (1%)
Consumes: 1 x 500 x 20 x 1 = 10,000 VUM
For the per-VUM price, see Pay-as-you-go.
Free quota
Starting May 11, 2023, first-time PTS activations include a one-time free quota of 5,000 VUM.
The free quota expires 30 days after activation.
VUM consumption is deducted from the free quota first. After the quota is exhausted, pay-as-you-go billing applies.
Stress tests with up to 1,000 concurrent users are not charged. Pay-as-you-go billing applies only when concurrent users exceed 1,000.
Billing method
PTS uses pay-as-you-go billing by default. You are billed by the VUM that you actually consume per stress test.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Best for | Short-term, infrequent, or burst testing |
| How it works | After each stress test completes, the system calculates VUM consumed and deducts the corresponding fee from your account balance |
| Pricing | The per-VUM unit price is higher than that of a resource plan. For detailed pricing, see Pay-as-you-go. |
Get started
Activate PTS
Go to the PTS activation page, read and agree to the PTS Terms of Service, then click Buy Now.
Run a stress test
Open the PTS console and follow Start a stress test within one minute.
Note: Pay-as-you-go billing takes effect automatically upon activation. After each stress test, VUM fees are settled and deducted from your account balance.
Reduce costs
Estimate VUM before testing. Plan the concurrency level, duration, and sampling rate to predict consumption.
Simplify test scenarios. Remove redundant connections and streamline scripts to lower resource usage.
Monitor in real time. Track bandwidth and IP usage in the PTS console during a stress test, and adjust as needed.
Stop tests promptly. Make sure each test ends automatically or stop it manually to avoid unnecessary billing.