> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ardor.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Metered Usage and Billing

> Ardor's pricing is based on a metered usage model for active compute resources, with persistent storage billed while data remains allocated.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/ardor/sf-RwXk0pWSNetwj/docs/pricing/images/usage-breakdown.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=sf-RwXk0pWSNetwj&q=85&s=fb3984a3c68354b9a3494d7b21d6a98b" alt="usage-and-billing-breakdown" width="1587" height="989" data-path="docs/pricing/images/usage-breakdown.png" />

## How Metered Usage Works

Ardor tracks AI Agent resource consumption in real-time and charges only for the duration in which an agent is actively running. This applies to:

* **vCPU Usage**
* **RAM Usage**
* **vRAM Usage**
* **Storage Usage**

<Note>
  If an agentic solution is idle or turned off, it does not consume CPU, RAM, or vRAM, and therefore incurs no charges for compute resources. However, persistent storage costs still apply as long as data remains allocated.
</Note>

## Billing Breakdown

### Compute Resources (CPU, RAM, vRAM) – Pay Only for Active Use

| Resource | Billing Method      | Charge Applies When...                                     |
| -------- | ------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| vCPU     | Per second per vCPU | The AI Agent is actively running tasks or processing data. |
| RAM      | Per second per GB   | Memory is allocated while the agentic solution is in use.  |
| vRAM     | Per second per GB   | Video (GPU) memory is used for processing AI workloads.    |

### Storage – Persistent and Billed Monthly

| Resource | Billing Method   | Charge Applies When...                               |
| -------- | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- |
| Storage  | Per GB per month | Data, models, or logs remain stored on the platform. |

Storage is billed regardless of whether an AI Agent is active or inactive, as long as the data is allocated.

<Note>
  Ardor's metered billing model separates active compute usage from persistent storage, making resource consumption easier to understand and optimize.
</Note>