vCPU
A virtual CPU — the unit of compute Azure allocates to a VM, usually one hyperthread of a physical core.
A vCPU is the compute unit Azure assigns to a VM. On most series a vCPU maps to a hardware hyperthread; on some Arm and constrained sizes the mapping differs. vCPU count is the first number in a size name (D4s v6 = 4 vCPU).
This explorer shows the $/vCPU/hr column so you can compare the raw compute price of two sizes on an even footing, independent of how much memory they bundle.
More Azure pricing terms
On-Demand (Pay-As-You-Go)Reserved VM Instance (RI)Savings Plan for ComputeAzure Hybrid Benefit (AHB)Spot Virtual MachinesSpot eviction & eviction policyDev/Test pricingARM region nameMeter & SKUVM series naming (D, E, F, B and s/a/p)Constrained-vCPU sizesB-series burstable & CPU creditsEphemeral OS diskCobalt & Ampere (Arm on Azure)Effective hourly rateWindows vs Linux pricingMax saving %Best price regionNormalized pricing ($/vCPU, $/GB)