# Data 360 credits, license models and allocations

*Marketing Cloud Next Consultant Study Guide · Data Modeling, Identity Resolution & Segmentation · Last updated November 6, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/marketing-cloud-next-consultant/data-modeling-identity-resolution-and-segmentation/data-360-credits-license-models-and-allocations*

Separate Data 360 processing charges from edition allocations, then estimate how segmentation, identity resolution, ingestion, messaging and flow design affect usage.

- Certification: Salesforce Marketing Cloud Next Consultant
- Exam section: Data Modeling, Identity Resolution & Segmentation
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/marketing-cloud-next-consultant

**Official exam objective:**

> Demonstrate knowledge of Data 360 consumption-based entitlements and evaluate how marketing automation design decisions impact platform consumption and usage.

## What the exam expects

- Identify whether Data 360 usage draws from contracted Data Service Credits or Flex Credits, and where to inspect actual consumption.
- Distinguish query, segmentation, real-time, storage and profile-license accounting.
- Estimate how segment design, identity resolution, ingestion and activation choices change metered usage.
- Compare purchased edition allocations with separately metered Data 360 use and purchased add-ons.

**Key terms.** *Usage type* is the unit Salesforce meters for a platform operation. *Digital Wallet* displays active consumption cards and usage. *Profiles license* changes profile counting and selected meters. *Allocation* is an edition or license limit, separate from a credit balance.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Data Service overage | Usage continues at the contract's overage rate after the balance is exhausted. | [Billing Considerations for Segmentation](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_billing_considerations_for_segmentation.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Segmentation meter | Without a license exemption, records processed; charged when a segment is published. | [Billing Considerations for Segmentation](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_billing_considerations_for_segmentation.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Queries | Segment editing, membership counts and previews can use Data Queries. | [Billing Considerations for Segmentation](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_billing_considerations_for_segmentation.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Real-time meter | Counts profile and engagement events plus API calls in the real-time layer. | [Billing Considerations for Segmentation](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_billing_considerations_for_segmentation.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Known profiles | With active identity resolution, count known unified profiles in the data space. | [Profiles License Billing](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_d360_profile_billing_considerations.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Anonymous profiles | Count 4% of anonymous profiles when identity resolution is active. | [Profiles License Billing](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_d360_profile_billing_considerations.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Active flows | 500 Growth; 750 Advanced. | [Allocations and Limits](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mktg_admin_limits_ref.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Email credits | 180,000 yearly for Growth; 360,000 yearly for Advanced. | [Allocations and Limits](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mktg_admin_limits_ref.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |
| Data storage | Published segment outputs are stored in DMOs. | [Billing Considerations for Segmentation](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_billing_considerations_for_segmentation.htm&type=5&language=en_US) |

## Check yourself

- Why include processing-history creation in a segment query-cost review?
- When can a scheduled segment need an Ends setting even if its frequency is correct?
- What does an Advanced Edition active-flow allocation count?

## Sources

- [Billing Considerations for Segmentation](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_billing_considerations_for_segmentation.htm&type=5&language=en_US)
- [Data 360 Profiles License Billing Considerations](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=data.c360_a_d360_profile_billing_considerations.htm&type=5&language=en_US)
- [Allocations and Limits in Marketing Cloud Next](https://help.salesforce.com/s/articleView?id=mktg.mktg_admin_limits_ref.htm&type=5&language=en_US)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 18 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Marketing Cloud Next Consultant pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams