# Horizontal/Vertical Scaling

Horizontal scaling is a change in the **number** of a resource. For example, increasing the number of virtual machines processing messages in a queue. Vertical scaling is a change in the **size/power** of a resource. For example, increasing the memory or disk space available to a machine. Scaling can be applied to databases, cloud resources, and other areas of computing.

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<BadgeLink badgeText='Watch' href='https://youtu.be/xpDnVSmNFX0'>System Design Basics: Horizontal vs. Vertical Scaling</BadgeLink>
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