Vertical scaling

Vertical scaling refers to increasing or decreasing the resources of an SQL database or managed instance. The resources here refer to DTUs for DTU-based purchasing models and vCores for vCore-based purchasing models.

Vertical scaling can be of two types: scale-up or scale-down service tiers, or vertical partitions.

Scale-up or scale-down service tiers

Scaling up a service tier refers to switching to a higher service tier; for example, switching from General Purpose to Business Critical or switching from General Purpose GP_Gen5_2 to General Purpose GP_Gen5_4.

Scaling down a service tier refers to switching to a lower service tier; for example, switching from General Purpose GP_Gen5_4 to General Purpose GP_Gen5_2, or switching from Business Critical to General Purpose.

Scaling up a service tier allows you to maintain or improve database performance during peak business hours and scaling down a service tier allows you to save costs during off-peak business...