---
title: "Understand Metrics usage and cost | Grafana Cloud documentation"
description: "Learn how to view and interpret your Prometheus metrics usage and costs in the Grafana Cloud Cost Management and Billing app."
---

> For a curated documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt). For the complete documentation index, see [llms-full.txt](/llms-full.txt).

# Understand metrics usage and cost

View your Prometheus metrics usage in Grafana Cloud using the Metrics section in the Usage tab. Use this information to monitor your consumption patterns and manage costs effectively.

Metrics usage is calculated from active series and data points per minute, both measured at the 95th percentile. For what those terms mean and how the calculation works, refer to [Metrics pricing](/docs/grafana-cloud/platform/pricing-and-usage/metrics/).

## Query your usage directly

Besides the app, you can query these metrics in the **grafanacloud-usage** data source:

Expand table

| Metric                                     | What it shows                                                     |
|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| `grafanacloud_instance_active_series`      | Your active series                                                |
| `grafanacloud_instance_samples_per_second` | Your samples per second. Multiply by 60 for DPM.                  |
| `grafanacloud_instance_active_otlp_series` | Active series ingested through OTLP, useful for tracking adoption |

## Before you begin

You must have the permissions granted by the [Billing and usage reader](/docs/grafana-cloud/cost-management-and-billing/set-up/cost-management-billing-rbac/#manage-access-to-the-cost-management-and-billing-app-using-role-based-access-control) role.

## View metrics usage in the app

> Note
> 
> The **Cost Management and Billing** App will be available either in the top level navigation of your Grafana instance, or under **More apps**.

Access detailed Metrics usage information:

1. Sign in to your Grafana Cloud instance.
2. Navigate to **Cost Management and Billing**.
3. Select the **Usage** tab.
4. Find the **Metrics** option in the products drop-down menu and select it.

The interface displays:

- **Current usage**: Your consumption during the selected billing period compared to plan limits
- **Usage trends**: Historical metrics consumption patterns in interactive graphs
- **Cost information**: Costs associated with your metrics usage, including overages beyond your subscription plan

## Related resources

- [Understand your Metrics invoice](/docs/grafana-cloud/platform/pricing-and-usage/metrics/)
- [Configure billing alerts](/docs/grafana-cloud/cost-management-and-billing/usage-cost-alerts/)
- [Reduce metrics costs by adjusting DPM](/docs/grafana-cloud/cost-management-and-billing/analyze-costs/reduce-costs/metrics-costs/adjust-data-points-per-minute/)