Why am I getting a bill of 2.5 K INR for a free Azure SQL Server recource?

Shyamal 0 Reputation points
2026-08-17T16:58:40.84+00:00

I am a student trying to get into the DE Space. I had created a Azure SQL Server Resource in my subscription and it is a free tier one. I haven't been using it much, but out of nowhere I am getting a bill of 2.5K INR. Can anyone please help me understand why is this happening? Just to add to the context I have converted the Azure account to a pay as you go, since the free credits are over. However, this specific resource is not a paid one.

P.S - I tried raising a ticket to MS support, but in basic plan they don't seem to provide a lot of options. Everything is predefined answers. Really annoying :(sql_high_charges

sql_properties

Azure SQL Database

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  1. SIVASANKAR YEDDULA 165 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-24T15:58:19.4666667+00:00

    Hi @Shyamal ,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Q&A forum.

    Since your Azure account has been converted to a Pay-As-You-Go subscription, the first step is to identify exactly which resource generated the ₹2.5K charge. Although Azure SQL Database Free Offer includes free monthly usage, charges can still occur if:

    • The free monthly limits are exceeded.
    • The database is configured to continue running after the free allowance is consumed.
    • Other Azure resources within the subscription are generating charges.
    • Additional storage, backup, networking, or related services are incurring costs.

    To determine the exact source of the charge, please review:

    Azure Portal → Cost Management + Billing → Cost Analysis

    We recommend checking the cost breakdown by:

    • Resource
    • Resource Group
    • Service Name

    This will show exactly which resource is responsible for the charges.

    Because billing information is subscription-specific, the most appropriate next step is to create a Billing Support Request. Billing support is available without requiring a paid technical support plan and can help identify the detailed usage and charges associated with your subscription.

    If possible, please share a screenshot of:

    • Cost Analysis
    • Cost by Resource
    • Cost by Service

    (Please remove any sensitive information before sharing.)

    This will help us determine whether the charge originated from Azure SQL Database or another Azure resource within the subscription.

    If this answer helps, please consider clicking Accept Answer so that other community members facing similar issues can benefit from it as well.

    If you have any further questions, please let us know. We will be happy to assist.

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  2. Erland Sommarskog 137.3K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-17T20:50:38.9266667+00:00

    To get information about costs, you need to create a billing support case. TP has a good writeup on how do to that in this thread: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5620857/anyone-know-how-to-get-through-to-billing-support. Read his instructions carefully, because the process is designed to lead you astray.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-17T16:59:01.02+00:00

    A “free” Azure SQL Database can still generate charges if either of these happened:

    1. Usage went beyond the free amount. Azure free offers include only limited quantities and only certain tiers. Any usage beyond the included free services and quantities is billed.
    2. The subscription is no longer in its free-credit period. For Azure for Students, usage is covered by the $100 credit for 12 months. After the credit is exhausted or the 12 months end, deployed products are decommissioned unless the subscription is upgraded. For a regular Azure free account, after the free period or free quantities expire, usage is charged at pay-as-you-go rates.

    To find the exact cause of the ₹2.5K charge:

    1. In the Azure portal, open Cost Management.
    2. Select Cost analysis.
    3. Change the view to review charges by resource or by service for the current billing period.
    4. Check whether the SQL Database resource is the only billed item and review the invoiced charges.
    5. Review the invoice that contains the charge.
    6. If the charge is unexpected, analyze audit logs and user permissions on the resource’s parent scope.

    Important detail for this scenario: Azure bills for provisioned resources and usage, not only for active app traffic. A database left deployed can still consume billable capacity depending on the offer and limits.

    To stop further charges:

    1. If the database is no longer needed, delete the unused resource.
    2. If the subscription is Azure for Students, check the remaining credit in the Azure Sponsorships portal.
    3. If the free period or credit has ended, expect pay-as-you-go charges unless the resource is removed.

    For support, billing help is available through an Azure support request. If predefined options in the basic plan are blocking progress, create a billing support request from Help + Support in the Azure portal and use the billing category.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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