Understanding DynamoDB Costs¶
If you’re building on DynamoDB, understanding its cost model is critical, especially as workloads scale. But AWS’s pricing complexity often makes that easier said than done. That’s why we built the DynamoDB Cost Calculator: a tool that gives you a clear, fast estimate of what your workloads will really cost.
Whether you’re running production systems or just exploring DynamoDB alternatives like ScyllaDB, this tool helps you break down the key cost drivers and compare options with confidence.
This calculator is also available at calculator.scylladb.com if you want to share it with your team or use it in a different context.
Why We Built a(nother) DynamoDB Cost Calculator¶
DynamoDB pricing isn’t straightforward. Costs can balloon based on read/write patterns, data volume, provisioned capacity, and usage spikes, especially if you’re using on-demand mode. While AWS offers a pricing calculator, it’s not exactly developer friendly, and it often misses the nuance of real-world workloads (e.g., bursty traffic or uneven access patterns).
We wanted something better. So we built a calculator that’s:
Simple to use
Tuned for real workload patterns
Who It’s For¶
If you’re a developer, architect, or decision-maker trying to evaluate DynamoDB costs or considering a switch to ScyllaDB, this tool is for you. You can use it to:
Estimate current DynamoDB costs
Explore what a move to ScyllaDB could save you
Justify architectural decisions with real data
Whether you’re optimizing an existing deployment or planning a migration, this calculator gives you the numbers you need to move forward with confidence.
Understanding DynamoDB Pricing and Costs¶
Once you use the calculator to estimate your costs, you’ll want to understand what those costs mean. This section breaks down the key cost drivers in DynamoDB and how they affect your bill. We cover the different pricing models, the cost units you’ll encounter, and the hidden costs that can catch you off guard. We also provide tips for optimizing your costs and avoiding common pitfalls.