> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.getsmelt.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Usage & Limits

> How usage is counted and what happens at limits

Understanding how Smelt counts usage and what happens when you reach your limit.

## How Rows Are Counted

**Each template × each row = 1 usage**

| Scenario       | Rows   | Templates | Usage  |
| -------------- | ------ | --------- | ------ |
| Simple job     | 100    | 1         | 100    |
| Multi-template | 100    | 3         | 300    |
| Large batch    | 1,000  | 2         | 2,000  |
| Big campaign   | 10,000 | 3         | 30,000 |

### Example Calculation

You have a Growth plan (25,000 rows/month):

* Job 1: 5,000 rows × 2 templates = 10,000 usage
* Job 2: 3,000 rows × 3 templates = 9,000 usage
* Job 3: 2,000 rows × 1 template = 2,000 usage
* **Total:** 21,000 / 25,000 used
* **Remaining:** 4,000 rows

## What Counts Toward Usage

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="✅ Counts" icon="check">
    * Job processing
    * Template tests
    * Re-runs of failed rows
    * Each template in multi-template jobs
  </Card>

  <Card title="❌ Doesn't Count" icon="xmark">
    * File uploads
    * Template creation
    * Viewing results
    * Exporting CSVs
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Warning>
  **Template tests count!** Each test consumes 1 row of your monthly allowance.
</Warning>

## Monthly Limits by Plan

| Plan    | Rows/Month |
| ------- | ---------- |
| Free    | 250        |
| Starter | 5,000      |
| Growth  | 25,000     |
| Scale   | 100,000    |

## What Happens at Your Limit

When you reach your monthly row limit:

1. **Jobs are blocked** — Cannot start new jobs
2. **Clear error message** — Shows usage details
3. **Upgrade prompt** — Link to upgrade plan
4. **Running jobs pause** — If mid-processing

### The Error Message Shows

* Current usage (e.g., 25,000/25,000)
* Rows requested
* Why it's blocked
* How to resolve (upgrade or wait)

<Note>
  You won't be charged overage fees. Jobs simply won't run until you upgrade or your usage resets.
</Note>

## Checking Your Usage

### In the Dashboard

The dashboard shows:

* Rows used this month
* Rows remaining
* Usage percentage

### In Settings

Go to **Settings > Billing** for detailed usage:

* Current plan
* Billing cycle dates
* Exact usage numbers

## Usage Reset

* **Resets** at the start of each billing cycle
* **No rollover** of unused rows
* **Monthly billing** cycle from signup date

<Warning>
  Unused rows do NOT roll over. Use them before your cycle resets!
</Warning>

## Planning Your Usage

### Before Starting a Job

The job creation wizard shows:

* How many rows you're about to use
* Your current remaining balance
* Whether the job will fit

### Usage Strategy

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Test small first">
    Run 10-20 rows to verify templates before committing thousands.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Count templates">
    Remember: 3 templates = 3x the usage. Only use templates you need.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Monitor throughout the month">
    Check the dashboard regularly to avoid surprises.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Upgrade proactively">
    If you're regularly hitting limits, upgrade before it blocks work.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Need More Rows?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Upgrade Plan" icon="arrow-up" href="/getting-started/billing">
    Move to a higher tier for more monthly rows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contact Sales" icon="envelope" href="mailto:sales@getsmelt.io">
    Need custom limits? Let's talk.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>