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PCI Scope Reduction Calculator

Work out pci scope reduction instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About PCI Scope Reduction Calculator

PCI DSS applies to every system that stores, processes or transmits cardholder data plus anything connected to those systems, so scope is the dominant cost driver. Segmentation shrinks the connected-to set, while tokenisation and hosted payment pages remove card data from your environment entirely — which can move you from the full SAQ D to a dramatically shorter questionnaire.

Formula

Scope reduction saving

systems removed = before - after; saving = systems removed x per-system assessment and control cost

Worked example

With the default values below, PCI Scope Reduction Calculator returns Annual compliance cost avoided of $495,000. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Systems currently in scopeminimum 1
320
Systems in scope after segmentationminimum 1
45
Assessment and control cost per systemminimum 0
1,800
Scope reduction methodone of Network segmentation only, Tokenisation, Redirect or hosted payment page
Tokenisation

Results

Annual compliance cost avoided
$495,000
Systems taken out of scope
275
Scope reduction
85.9%
Likely assessment path
Typically reduces to SAQ A-EP or SAQ D with far fewer in-scope systems

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Scope reduction saving
  3. 3Annual compliance cost avoided= 495,000
  4. 4Systems taken out of scope= 275
  5. 5Scope reduction= 85.9
  6. 6Likely assessment path= Typically reduces to SAQ A-EP or SAQ D with far fewer in-scope systems

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 1 decimal place, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does segmentation alone reduce scope?

Yes, but it must be demonstrably effective and is tested by the assessor. Flat networks put everything in scope, which is why segmentation is usually the first and cheapest step.

Does tokenisation remove all obligations?

No. The tokenisation provider and the integration points remain in scope, and you still need policies, training and vendor management. It reduces scope substantially rather than eliminating it.

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