Can DynamoDB auto scale?

Yes. DynamoDB auto scaling uses Application Auto Scaling to adjust provisioned read and write capacity toward a target utilization (settable 20–90%, commonly 70%), within min/max bounds you define. Alternatively, on-demand capacity mode scales instantly to traffic with no configuration. Both keep tables responsive to changing load without manual capacity planning.

Provisioned auto scaling

You create a scaling policy per table (and per global secondary index) that sets:

• a target utilization (percent of provisioned capacity to aim for),
• minimum and maximum capacity units, and
• whether to scale reads, writes, or both.

CloudWatch alarms trigger Application Auto Scaling to raise or lower capacity as consumption crosses the target.

On-demand mode

On-demand capacity removes planning entirely: DynamoDB scales throughput up and down automatically and you pay per request. It is ideal for spiky or unpredictable traffic.

Which to choose

Provisioned with auto scaling is usually cheaper at steady, predictable load; on-demand is simpler and better for unknown or bursty traffic.

Go deeper

Compare them in on-demand vs provisioned capacity and estimate cost with the pricing calculator. Download DynoTable to manage capacity settings.