All Products
Search
Document Center

ApsaraDB RDS:View the free quota for backup storage

Last Updated:Mar 28, 2026

Each ApsaraDB RDS for MariaDB instance includes a free quota for backup storage. If your total backup size exceeds this quota, you are charged an hourly rate for the excess. This topic explains how the free quota is calculated and how to check it in the console.

How it works

Backup files are stored in backup storage, which is separate from the storage capacity you purchase when you create an instance.

ApsaraDB RDS for MariaDB instances use cloud disks and support only snapshot backups. The free quota is calculated as follows:

Free quota = 200% x purchased storage capacity (GB), rounded up to the nearest integer

If your total backup size exceeds the free quota, you pay an hourly rate for the excess:

Excess backup storage = data backup size + log backup size - free quota

Example

ItemValue
Purchased storage capacity60 GB
Free quota (200% x 60)120 GB
Data backup size150 GB
Log backup size50 GB
Excess backup storage150 + 50 - 120 = 80 GB

You are billed at an hourly rate for the 80 GB excess.

Note
  • For pricing details, see ApsaraDB for RDS.

  • For RDS Basic Edition instances, some database engines support a seven-day free retention period for backup files. Check the ApsaraDB RDS console for details.

View the free quota in the console

  1. Go to the Instances page. In the top navigation bar, select the region where your RDS instance resides. Find the instance and click its ID.

  2. In the Usage Statistics section, find Backup Size. The free quota is displayed to the right.

    Note

    The free quota varies based on the instance configuration.

FAQ

Do backup files occupy the storage I purchased?

No. Backup files are stored in backup storage, which is independent of the storage capacity you purchase during instance creation.

Can I purchase backup storage on a subscription basis?

No. Backup storage cannot be purchased on a subscription basis. The free quota is allocated automatically based on your purchased storage capacity, and any excess is billed at an hourly pay-as-you-go rate.