Bidding Strategies

Depending on how soon you want your Spot Instance request fulfilled and how long you want your Spot Instances to continue running, there are a number of factors you need to consider when you make a bid for Spot Instances. The requirements you include in your Spot Instance request can affect the chances that it will be fulfilled. If you have a number of requirements that must be met, your request can take a little longer to fulfill.

The maximum Spot Instance price impacts bid fulfillment and how long your Spot Instances run, as well. If you want your instances to run continuously for longer periods, select a higher price. If your instances don't need to run continuously, select a lower price.

The maximum Spot Instance price you specify is not necessarily the price that you pay. For example, if you specify $.50 as your maximum price, and the Spot Price is $.30 for the period, you pay $.30. If the Spot Price drops, you pay less. If the Spot Price increases, you pay the new price (up to your specified maximum price).