Estimating cloud costs on Azure is complex due to numerous interdependencies, such as service usage, location, and pricing plans, which can lead to unexpected expenses if not monitored closely. The Azure Pricing Calculator serves as a vital tool for converting predicted service consumption into estimated costs, aiding in planning and budgeting by using data from the Azure Retail Prices API to provide accurate pricing information and accommodate any pricing negotiations or discounts. Users can access the calculator through the Azure website to explore various pricing models, such as pay-as-you-go and Reserved Instances, for scaling workloads, optimizing costs, or migrating to the cloud. The calculator features a product selector, estimate and product configuration, and an estimation summary to assist users in creating detailed expense forecasts. However, the vast array of options can be overwhelming, and it's crucial to account for all necessary resources and potential security elements, such as VPN gateways, to avoid over- or under-provisioning. Users are encouraged to take their time, save estimates for later, and consider using automation solutions for compute needs to ensure optimal Azure investment.