Which tool is primarily used to estimate the cost of AWS services?

The AWS Pricing Calculator is primarily designed to help users estimate the cost of various AWS services before they use them. This tool allows users to input specific parameters related to their intended use of AWS services, such as the type of services needed, expected usage levels, and configurations. The calculator generates a detailed cost estimate based on these inputs, enabling users to make informed financial decisions as they plan their cloud architecture.

It is particularly useful for businesses that want to understand the potential costs associated with using Amazon Web Services, compare different service configurations, and explore pricing options to optimize their cloud spending. This level of detailed estimation makes it a crucial tool for budgeting and planning in the cloud environment.

While other tools, such as AWS Cost Explorer and the AWS Budget Tool, serve important functions related to analyzing past usage and managing ongoing budgets, they are not specifically geared towards initial cost estimation for AWS services. The Cost Explorer, for example, helps visualize past spending patterns, while the Budget Tool is focused on tracking and alerting on actual budget performance against set limits.