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Commonly confused · Cloud Computing

Scalability vs Elasticity: What's the Difference?

Scalability is a system's ability to handle more load by adding resources, often planned for long-term growth. Elasticity is the ability to automatically add and remove resources in real time to match fluctuating demand, so you pay only for what you use.

Scalability

Full definition
vs

Elasticity

Full definition
ScalabilityElasticity
FocusCapacity to growAutomatic matching of supply to demand
DirectionPrimarily up or outUp and down, out and in
TimingPlanned, longer termDynamic, minutes or seconds
AutomationMay be manualAutomated by policy
Cost benefitSupports growthAvoids paying for idle capacity
ExampleAdding database capacity for next year's customersAuto scaling web servers for a flash sale, then scaling back
Remember it

Scalable can grow; elastic grows and shrinks on its own.

Exam tip

If the scenario mentions shrinking after a spike or paying only for what is used, choose elasticity. Scalability is about the ability to grow at all.

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