---
title: "Scale up a vector database"
description: "Add nodes to a Qdrant vector database in TIR, up to 10, and learn why the new nodes start empty."
content_type: "how-to"
product: "vector-database"
platform: "TIR"
url: "/tir/vector-database/how-to/scale-up-a-vector-database/"
topic: ["scale-and-resize"]
---

# Scale up a vector database

Add nodes to the Qdrant cluster of a running database whenever it needs more capacity, up to 10 nodes
in all. The nodes you add start empty, so your data stays where it is until you
[use the new nodes](/tir/vector-database/how-to/use-new-nodes/).

## Before you begin

- A database in the **Running** state, with any snapshot already finished, and a role with Update
  permission on Vector Database.
- On a prepaid account, credit for at least 1 hour of the nodes you add.
- (Optional) A snapshot taken first; see [Take a snapshot](/tir/vector-database/how-to/take-a-snapshot/).
  Let it finish before you scale up.

The node count can only go up, so choose the number you need. Each node you add is charged from the
moment you add it. It gets a disk of the same size as the existing nodes. See
[Vector Database billing](/tir/vector-database/concepts/vector-database-billing/).

## Add nodes

1. In **Manage Vector Database**, select **Actions** in the database's row, then **Scale Up**.
2. Read the points in the "Scale your cluster" panel. Adding nodes leaves your data exactly where it is,
   with the same copies on the same nodes, and each new node starts empty.
3. Move the slider or type a number in **Node count**. The number must be above the current count
   and at most 10.
4. Select **Update**. To go back to the current count, select **Reset**.

TIR says the database was updated. The **Node Count** under
**Cluster Configuration** on the **Overview** tab shows the new count.

## What to do next

[Use the new nodes](/tir/vector-database/how-to/use-new-nodes/) so they hold data. If the update is
refused, see [Troubleshooting Vector Database](/tir/vector-database/troubleshooting/vector-database/).