VMware VVF & VCF Core Calculator

In “Day 2” operations, capacity planning errors are costly. The shift to VVF and VCF per-core subscriptions introduces risks like the 16-core billing floor and complex vSAN TiB ratios.

The VMware VVF & VCF Core Calculator is an architectural decision engine built to prevent “ghost” licensing costs. It provides the programmatic clarity needed to balance compute density and storage entitlements, ensuring your design satisfies both your SLA and the CFO.

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VMware VVF & VCF Calculator

2025 Architectural Decision Engine

*Calculates using the mandatory 16-core billing floor.

Architectural Advisory: These estimates reflect Dec 2025 Broadcom entitlements (VVF @ 0.25 TiB/core, VCF @ 1 TiB/core). If your storage density exceeds these ratios, additional vSAN TiB add-ons are required.

Consult with our engineers for a custom TCO audit: architects@rack2cloud.com

Key Features
  • Mandatory 16-Core Floor: Automatically rounds up CPUs with fewer than 16 cores per Broadcom policy.
  • Current Entitlement Mapping: Uses the Dec 2025 standard of 0.25 TiB for VVF and 1 TiB for VCF.
  • Audit-Ready Reporting: Generates a summary that maps directly to the FoundationCoreAndTiBUsage PowerCLI output
FAQ
  • Q: Why did my vSAN entitlement increase in the calculator?
    • A: As of November 2024 (and reflected in vSphere 8.0U3e), Broadcom increased the VVF entitlement from 100 GiB to 250 GiB (0.25 TiB) per core. We have updated the tool to ensure your 2025 renewal estimates are accurate.
  • Q: Why does the calculator use 1 TiB for VCF instead of 2 TiB?
    • A: While certain 2025 “Cloud” bundles and promotions offer 2 TiB, the Broadcom Standard Product Guide remains at 1 TiB per core for VCF. We use the 1 TiB baseline to ensure your budget is built on the most conservative, verified data.
  • Q: Does this account for the 72-core minimum order?
    • A: No. While a 72-core minimum was discussed in early 2025, it was largely retracted for standard renewals. The tool focuses on the 16-core per CPU floor, which is the primary driver of “ghost cost.
  • Q: How do I calculate the “Metadata Tax” for my backup repository?
    • A: This calculator focuses on VMware Licensing entitlements. For technical storage sizing (including Veeam block-size multipliers and XFS/ReFS metadata overhead), please refer to our dedicated Veeam Immutable Storage Calculator.

Visual Engineering: The Licensing Pivot Table

To help you decide which path to take, use this quick-reference framework:

ScenarioRecommended TierLicensing Focus
Standard VirtualizationVVFFocus on Core count; watch TiB overages.
High Storage DensityVCFFocus on 2TiB entitlement to offset costs.
Software Defined DCVCFBuilt-in NSX and Aria automation costs.

Navigating the post-Broadcom landscape requires more than just a passing familiarity with the new SKUs; it demands a proactive approach to resource allocation and hardware density. Whether you are facing a massive “vSAN Tax” due to high-density storage or simply trying to map your legacy sockets to the new 16-core floor, the goal remains the same: a performant cloud architecture that doesn’t outpace your budget.

Found a ‘Core Tax’ you didn’t expect? We help VMware architects optimize their SDDC and hybrid cloud designs every day. Reach out for a quick configuration review to see if we can streamline your licensing and slash your monthly OpEx bill – E-Mail Us for a Consultation.