How many databases can I create?

The number of databases included depends on the hosting plan you are on. Rather than one fixed figure across every account, this is one of the things that scales with the plan — check the databases section of your control panel, which shows how many you have used and how many you are allowed, or your plan's details for the exact number.

Why the limit exists at all

A database, even an empty one, uses a small amount of the server's resources just by existing, and shared hosting divides finite server resources across many accounts. A sensible allowance keeps that fair without meaningfully restricting how most sites are actually built. Most single-site installs need exactly one database; the limit tends to matter only once you are running several separate applications, or separate staging and live copies, on the same account.

What to do if you are approaching your limit

• Check whether you actually need a new database, or an existing one will do. Some applications can share a database using different table prefixes rather than each needing one of its own — see what a database table prefix is.
• Remove databases you no longer use. Old staging copies, abandoned test installs and one-off imports left behind after testing are a common reason accounts fill up their allowance without realising it. See deleting a database without breaking a site before removing anything you are not certain is unused.
• Check what your current plan includes. What you get with your hosting plan covers where to find this, and a higher tier plan typically raises the allowance along with other resources.

If you are not sure what your current usage is

The databases section of your control panel lists every database on the account alongside the total allowed, so you do not need to count manually. Checking your resource usage covers the wider picture of what else is measured against your plan, in case databases are not the only thing you are trying to keep an eye on.

If you need more than your current plan allows, contact us and we can advise on the right plan for what you are trying to run.