Decoding Fabric Licensing
Key Takeaways
- 1 F SKU per workspace/team is the recommended starting point
- P SKUs are being retired — buy F SKUs, don't wait
- F64+ is the threshold for meaningful licensing benefits (viewer free tier, embedding)
- Trial capacity = F64 performance — don't benchmark on trial then buy F8
Notes
Capacity Architecture
- 1 F SKU per workspace/team
- Easier cost tracking & isolation
- Can pause individual capacities independently
- Trade-off: don't hit F64 benefits unless each is F64+
Recommendation: Start 1:1 (workspace:SKU), consolidate later as workload patterns stabilize.
P SKU → F SKU Migration
P SKUs are being retired — buy F SKUs instead.
⚠️ Purchase F SKU BEFORE P SKU expires (90-day grace ≠ extension)
⚠️ Trial capacity = F64 performance — don't benchmark then buy F8
| P SKU | F SKU Equivalent |
|---|---|
| P1 | F64 |
| P2 | F128 |
| P3 | F256 |
| P4 | F512 |
| P5 | F1024 |
Embedding Scenarios
Embed for org (internal Entra users):
- F64+ or P SKU → viewers only need Fabric Free
- <F64 → viewers need Pro/PPU license
App owns data (external/anonymous users):
- Any F, A, or P SKU → end users need no license
- Service principal handles auth
License Requirements by Role
| Role | License Needed |
|---|---|
| Report viewer (<F64 capacity) | Pro or PPU |
| Report viewer (F64+ capacity) | Free |
| Report creator/publisher | Pro (always) |
| Data engineer / developer | Pro (always) |
| Admin / capacity manager | Pro (always) |
Useful Links
💡 Prices are PAYG USD estimates — EA/CSP agreement will likely differ.