Change node count in a Managed Kubernetes cluster

In Managed Kubernetes clusters, you can change the number of nodes — decrease or increase the number of nodes in a group. For fault-tolerant operation of system components, we recommend using at least two worker nodes in a cluster.

When you decrease the number of nodes, random nodes are deleted from the group by default. If necessary, you can delete a specific node. If there is only one node in the group, you can delete the entire node group. If the Kubernetes version is 1.28 or higher, in a node group on cloud servers, you can delete all nodes from the group and leave an empty node group. An empty node group retains node configurations, labels, taints, and user data, but you are not charged for nodes.

You can resize a node group in the control panel, via the Managed Kubernetes API, or using Terraform.

For nodes on dedicated servers, consider the specifics of their billing. Learn more in the Billing for nodes on dedicated servers when changing the number of nodes section.

Payment for nodes on dedicated servers when changing the node count

Payment when increasing the node count

When you increase the number of nodes in a cluster, the payment for the new dedicated servers is deducted as a one-time charge using your primary funds. If there are insufficient primary funds in your balance, the node count will not be increased.

If you need to use bonuses to pay for new nodes on dedicated servers, you can create a new node group and add nodes there.

Refunds when decreasing the node count

When you decrease the number of nodes in a cluster, according to the User Agreement, funds for dedicated servers will be refunded only for full unused months.

Change node count

carefully

When you decrease the number of nodes in a cluster, random nodes in the group are deleted by default. You can delete a specific node.

Fixed

1. In the control panel, in the top menu, click Products and select Managed Kubernetes.
2. In the Clusters section, open the cluster page → Cluster composition tab.
3. In the menu of the node group, select Change number of nodes.
4. In the Number of nodes field, open the Fixed tab.
5. Specify the required number of nodes. For fault-tolerant operation of system components, we recommend using at least two worker nodes in the cluster. Nodes can be located in different groups.
6. Click Save.

With autoscaling

For your information

Node group autoscaling is unavailable:

• for node groups with GPU without drivers;
• node groups on dedicated servers.

Autoscaling occurs only if the cluster is in the ACTIVE status.

The actual number of nodes in a group may be less than the minimum number you specify when configuring autoscaling if:

• you increased the minimum node count in the group after creating the group;
• the actual number of nodes is sufficient for the current load, and there is no need to increase the node count.

If a smaller number of nodes is sufficient for the current load in the cluster, but pods cannot be moved for some reason, the node count in the group will not decrease.

Learn more about how autoscaling works in the Autoscaling node groups guide.

1. In the control panel, in the top menu, click Products and select Managed Kubernetes.
2. In the Clusters section, open the cluster page → Cluster composition tab.
3. In the menu of the node group, select Change number of nodes.
4. In the Number of nodes field, open the With autoscaling tab.
5. Set the minimum and maximum number of nodes in the group — the number of nodes will only change within this range. For fault-tolerant operation of system components, we recommend using at least two worker nodes in the cluster. Nodes can be located in different groups.
6. Click Save.

Delete a specific node

You can delete a specific node from a group. After deletion, all pods on this node will be distributed across other nodes in the group.

1. In the control panel, in the top menu, click Products and select Managed Kubernetes.
2. In the Clusters section, open the cluster page → Cluster composition tab.
3. In the menu of the node, select Delete.
4. Enter the node name to confirm deletion.
5. Click Delete.